Being a loner Isn’t always a bad thing; a look at the death of Shanquella Robinson

BY SYDNEE WALCOTT

Being a loner can have more cons than pros for the majority, but for others, it is considered peaceful.

For the longest time, people viewed those who either have a small group of friends or no friends as “losers.” However, the murder of Shanquella Robinson and recent attacks on other people by so-called friends gives us a better understanding of why some people are content with being a loner.

On October 28^th, 2022, 25-year-old Shanquella Robinson and six friends travelled to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Robinson died 24 hours after their arrival.

Her friends claimed she died from alcohol poisoning after drinking heavily, but their story was discredited when an autopsy report released on November 10^th, 2022, found that Robinson had suffered a severe spinal cord injury and a broken neck 15 minutes before her death.

Five days after the release of her autopsy report, video footage emerged of Robinson getting assaulted by a female aggressor. A man who seems to be recording the attack tells Robinson to fight back at least.

Robinson’s father, Bernard Robinson, confirmed it was his daughter in the video during an interview with TMZ. He said the attack was deliberate by people who Shanquella thought were her friends.

Although an arrest warrant was issued, an arrest has not been made yet in the case.

The news of Robinson’s death has been a topic of discussion circulating on social media for the past few months. Her murder has been an eye-opener for many who would wonder why some would prefer to keep to themselves.

“This is why I have no friends,” “This is why I keep my friend group small.”

“This is why I don’t go on trips with anyone but family.”

These are the types of comments I would see whenever I would watch videos on the situation.

I’ve even seen people share similar stories while vacationing with someone they thought was their friend.

The murder of Robinson is not the only situation that has led to people sharing why they keep their guard up and spend more time alone.

During the first week of the new year, Sha’maya Anderson, of Jackson, Mississippi, and Unique Prater, of Columbus, Ohio, both 15, were shot, killed and left stranded by their so-called friends in separate incidents. No arrests have been made yet in either case.

Deion Dejanae Harrison was stabbed six times by her ex-friend and roommate because of a dispute over a cell phone. The suspect, Abigail Seane Hennington, was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

Harrison has created a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help with medical and home bills until she recovers and can work again. Her goal is to raise $30,000.

The fundraiser currently stands at $5,901 raised so far.

These incidents also give people an understanding as to why people choose to be a loner over having friends.

Not everyone is deceptive, and everyone can maintain a healthy friendship, but we cannot criticize people for wanting to keep their circle small, or for choosing not to have friends when there are people who don’t have good intentions.