Murder Of High Schooler With Autism Lands Burlington Co. Men In Prison

WILLINGBORO, NJ — Two men were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for murdering a Willingboro High School student.

Kavon Carter, 27, was sentenced Friday to 110 years behind bars for killing Yahsinn Robinson in April 2021.

Sylas Young, 23, received an 80-year prison term.

The defendants and their associates from Pemberton Township were involved in a long-running dispute with certain residents from Willingboro's Buckingham Park section, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.

Robinson, 18, lived in the neighborhood with his family. When he returned from work one evening, he was shot and killed outside of his home.

The victim wasn't involved in the conflict and wasn't associated with either group, prosecutors said.

The killing was "the epitome of senseless," said County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw.

"Our office has an unwavering commitment to combating gang-related violence and securing justice for innocent victims," Bradshaw said in a statement. "Violent offenders will continue to be relentlessly pursued and held fully accountable for their actions."

Robinson, a high school senior with autism, was excited to graduate and move forward with his career goals, according to a GoFundMe in his honor.

The honor roll student loved to study and play chess, reading books about the game. He also played guitar and got into designing clothes before he was killed.

"He never allowed his Autism diagnosis to hinder him from exploring his dreams," the GoFundMe says. "He just started his first job and was so excited to have some independence."

In December, a jury found Carter and Young guilty 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 also convicted of promoting organized street crime (first-degree) and certain persons not to have weapons (second-degree).