Crime & Safety

Bryant Indicted in Toddler Death

Mikhy Robinson shooting in waning days of 2011 shocked Newarkers

The man who authorities believe was responsible for the shooting death of a 2-year-old late last year was indicted Monday on manslaughter and other charges, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Wakir Bryant, 28, of Belleville, was indicted on five counts by an Essex County grand jury in the death of Mikhy Robinson, who was shot and killed at his St. James Place home early on the morning of Dec. 30, 2011.

Bryant, who according to state records has served two separate prison terms on narcotics offenses, faces charges of reckless manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, hindering apprehension and two weapons offenses. A separate indictment charges Bryant with violating a law prohibiting convicted felons from possessing firearms. 

Bryant, who was dating the child’s mother, was immediately identified as a suspect in a crime that shocked Newarkers and spurred renewed calls to end the violence that has long plagued the city. Bryant was captured the day after Mikhy’s death and has been in custody ever since on $250,000 bail, said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly.

Fennelly Monday declined to provide specifics on the circumstances of the shooting.

“We’re not going into too many facts. The gun was being handled in a reckless fashion,” Fennelly said.  

Mikhy’s death came the same week that another toddler died under violent circumstances. Alexis Robinson, a 29-month old believed to be a distant relation to Mikhy, suffered a blunt force trauma Dec. 28, 2011. Tyrail Jones, 28, was arrested soon after.


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