Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that two Pemberton Township residents received lengthy sentences for the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old Willingboro High School student outside of his home in the spring of 2021.
Kavon Carter, 27, was sentenced Friday to 110 years in state prison for the fatal shooting of Yahsinn Robinson. His co-defendant, 23-year-old Sylas Young, received an 80-year term. The sentences were handed down in Superior Court in Mount Holly by the Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C.
The investigation revealed that Carter and Young, along with their associates from Pemberton Township, were involved in a long-running dispute with certain residents from the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro, where the victim lived with his family. The investigation further revealed that the victim was not involved in the conflict and was not associated with either group. He had just returned home from his job the evening of April 22, 2021, when he was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.
“The loss of Yahsinn’s innocent, young life should never have occurred. It is the epitome of senseless,” Prosecutor Bradshaw said. “Our office has an unwavering commitment to combating gang-related violence and securing justice for innocent victims. Violent offenders will continue to be relentlessly pursued and held fully accountable for their actions.”
Following a two-month trial in December 2024, the jury deliberated for approximately three hours before convicting Carter and Young of Murder (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Murder (First Degree), Gang Criminality (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree). Carter was additionally convicted of Promoting Organized Street Crime (First Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
The defendants were prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Jamie Hutchinson and Colleen Gardner. The investigation was conducted by the Willingboro Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the Pemberton Township Police Department. The lead investigators were WTPD Sergeant Brandon Smith and BCPO Detective Sergeant Sean Tait.