Lexington police seek details in 2022 killing

The homicide case of local music promoter “T-Rob Smooth” remains active and open after four years.

Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green is renewing a plea for the community's assistance as the fourth anniversary of the killing of Lexington resident Tyler Robinson, 29, passed in July.

"Four years have passed since Tyler Robinson was killed, and our Criminal Investigations Division continues to seek answers about who was involved in this homicide," Green said.

After living at the Lauren Ridge Apartments, 500 Carlen Ave., for several months, Robinson, also known as "T-Rob" or "T-Rob Smooth," was found in an outside stairwell of building four with multiple gunshot wounds after Lexington police responded to a reported shooting at the apartment complex around 2 a.m. on July 9, 2022. Officers provided emergency aid until medics arrived. Robinson was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to a Lexington Police Department news release, Robinson was active in the Columbia music and nightlife scene. He was a music promoter, co-founder and co-producer of a local music label and the production group “Long Money Camp.”

Detectives said evidence indicates Robinson was the victim of a planned attack involving multiple unidentified suspects. Evidence also suggests that the group of perpetrators followed him to the apartment complex after he left a downtown Columbia nightclub, attacking him shortly after his arrival.

After fatally shooting Robinson, the perpetrators stole jewelry and a watch from him. Detectives also said his apartment was burglarized before the intruders fled the scene.

Items believed stolen include a custom gold necklace and pendant with jewels spelling "Smooth" and "LMC," two jeweled gold rings — one featuring a dollar sign and the other "LMC" — and a jeweled gold watch.

Green said the case remains open despite the passage of four years, and investigators remain committed to seeking justice for Robinson and his loved ones.

"I want his family, friends and those involved in his death to know that we continue to follow every new lead and that this case is still very much open," Green said. "We need those with information to come forward so justice can be served."

Anyone with information about the homicide, the suspects involved or the whereabouts of the missing jewelry and watch is asked to contact Detective Cpl. Kenneth Heath at 803-358-1557 or kheath@lexsc.gov.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Midlands Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372) or visiting www.midlandscrimestoppers.com and selecting "Submit a Tip.”

Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward, according to a Lexington Police Department news release.