A Boston man's violent demise has led to the conviction of a third assailant in a 2021 Roxbury stabbing case. Dravon Robinson, 39, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for his role in the death of 34-year-old Ricardo Garcia, as District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
The conviction stems from a brutal incident that to have permanently shattered the peace of a Roxbury street corner. On August 8, 2021, Robinson, along with two other men, spotted Garcia while cruising through the neighborhood. A scuffle quickly ensued after the men approached Garcia's girlfriend, with Robinson found to have recklessly kicked Garcia as the two other attackers, Karonn Brown and Derrell Sanford, stabbed him. The victim later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Justice has been administered in staggered doses for those involved in the attack. Robinson's cousin, Karonn Brown, 51, was convicted of first-degree murder in November 2023. In a turn of events prior to his own trial, Brown's son, Derrell Sanford, 29, pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier this month, halting jury selection in its tracks. Sentencing for both Robinson and Sanford is slated for February 5.
The Suffolk Superior Court jury's decision reflects a community's yearning for closure in the face of unbridled violence. “There were three men involved here and not one of them chose to de-escalate the situation. I’m grateful for all who worked to hold each of them accountable for this shocking attack. I can only hope these convictions will bring some sense of justice to Mr. Garcia’s family,” as Hayden told in a statement. With this conviction, Boston edges closer to turning the page on a tragedy that has lingered too long in the minds and hearts of its citizens.
