Duval County

Family of slain 5-year-old blindsided by decision to move sentencing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tuesday, the family of the local 5-year-old whose mother admitted to playing a role in her death learned they’ll have to wait longer for justice.

Loved ones of ZyKerria Robinson told Action News Jax they were blindsided by a decision made in court.

The little girl’s grandmother, Almarie Doyle, had a picture of the 5-year-old pinned close to her heart.

Doyle said she was ready to face one of her granddaughter’s killers: Zykerria’s own mother, Michelle Cannimore.

Doyle was frustrated to learn the sentencing was pushed back — without any notice the family.

“I thought that we were going to, you know, do the sentencing today," Doyle said. "It amazes me that we didn’t. Now, we have to wait 60 days.”

Action News Jax reported in Oct. 2018 when police said ZyKerria was beaten to death by Cannimore and her boyfriend, Jonte Harris.

According to a report from the medical examiner, she had adult bite marks on her body, and there was a history of abuse in the household.

“It just hurts. My granddaughter she did not deserve to go this way," Doyle said. "I’m still hurting about it, and her dad.”

In November 2019, Cannimore pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the death of her own daughter.

As of Tuesday, Harris was still pleading not guilty for murder and all other charges against him.

Cannimore’s sentencing was pushed back to March 17.

Harris was due back in court on Thursday, Jan. 16.