Quando Rondo’s Federal Sentence Follows Years Of Arrests, Shootings, & Legal Issues

Since he stepped into the Hip Hop scene as a teenager, Quando Rondo has found himself wrapped up in controversy. The Savannah, Georgia, native has released three studio albums and several mixtapes since 2017, but he’s become more known for his Rap beefs and run-ins with the law more than his music. The most significant of Quando’s scandals arrived in 2020 with the murder of Only The Family rapper King Von in Atlanta. Later, in 2022, Rondo, real name Tyquian Bowman, and his cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, known as Lul Pab, were ambushed while visiting Los Angeles. Robinson was killed in the attack.

The following year, Rondo was arrested in connection to gang and drug infractions. He was only out on bond for a few months before the FBI nabbed him on federal drug charges. He again bonded out but was picked up for Driving Under the Influence at the top of 2024. More recently, Quando Rondo has learned he will serve over two years in prison after receiving a conviction for those federal charges. It’s been a whirlwind for Bowman within the last few years alone, and some believe that he has often been on a self-destructive path. Let’s take a look at the details regarding Quando’s conviction and sentence, as well as a few of the controversies that preceded his upcoming stint behind bars.

Quando Rondo Convicted Of Federal Drug Charges

Days ago, Quando Rondo learned his fate, and we’re sure he’s dissatisfied with the outcome. As reported by Rolling Stone and the Savannah Morning News, the rapper was sentenced to 33 months in prison on December 12 after entering a guilty plea to a charge of conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana. Moreover, following his release, Bowman will endure “three years of supervised release” and “also must pay a $40,000 fine.” Quando was able to dodge similar, more severe charges related to the possession and distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. He was initially looking at 20 years in prison for the full conviction. However, Rondo’s legal team was able to secure him a minor win by negotiating a lesser sentence with prosecutors.

During the hearing, Quando reportedly addressed the court. Despite a career of trolling his foes and making light of his legal issues, the rapper seemed regretful. “I really want to give an apology to the city of Savannah,” he said. “And I want to give an apology to my family and friends, loved ones, and most of all my daughters for taking all my family and all my loved ones through this stressful point.” Rondo is set to begin serving his sentence sometime in mid-January 2025.

His Cousin Lul Pab’s Murder

The case involving the shooting death of Lul Pab is also tied to the recent arrest of Chicago Drill rapper Lil Durk. In 2022, Rondo and Pab were at a West Hollywood gas station near the famed Beverly Center mall when they were fired upon by masked gunmen, resulting in the latter’s death. Investigators arrested Durk, real name Durk Banks, and five other members of The Voice rapper’s Only The Family crew this year. Police allege that Pab’s murder was retaliation for the killing of King Von. Lil Durk faces charges of murder-for-hire, as authorities contend that he was the mastermind behind Pab’s death—a shooting that was allegedly intended to take out Quando Rondo.

However, though prosecutors are sure of their case, Durk has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The rapper’s indictment reportedly reads, “After the murder, defendant Banks made clear, in coded language, that he would pay a bounty or monetary reward, and/or make payment to anyone who took part in killing [Bowman] for his role in [Bennett’s] murder.” Since Durk’s arrest, he’s been hit with more charges, per Rolling Stone. He also faces “one new count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one new count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.” The case is ongoing and, if convicted, Lil Durk could spend the remainder of his life behind bars.

The Murder Of King Von Following An Altercation With Quando Rondo

Lil Durk and Quando Rondo’s crews didn’t exactly keep their animosity under wraps. The hostility unraveled in social media posts, interviews, and lyrics. While Rap beefs come and go in the culture, not many result in actual acts of violence. Yet, authorities claim these two crews practiced what they preached, and it has erupted in the deaths of at least two people: King Von and Lul Pab. Von was gunned down outside of a nightclub in November 2020 following a reported altercation between his group and Quando Rondo’s associates. Gunfire rang out, and Von was killed; however, Rondo’s team allegedly told police that they were acting in self-defense.

Timothy “Lul Timm” Leeks was later charged with the murder of Von. Rondo would address the incident in his lyrics, emphasizing that he and his friends weren’t the initiates of the fatal fray. Further, Quando’s public support for Timm following Von’s death was a noteworthy point of controversy—especially after Timm sat down for an interview with VladTV. While there, he detailed shooting King Von, stating that he fired at least four times before his gun jammed. You can check out that clip above.

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Tay-K Gets A New Trial Date As He Faces The Possibility Of Life In Prison

Tay-K’s second murder trial will be hitting the courtroom in February of next year as he faces life in prison for a 2017 murder case in San Antonio. The trial comes as he already remains behind bars as part of a 55-year sentence for his role in a murder in 2016 in Mansfield, Texas. KSAT.com reports that a jury pool of 200 people will be called on February 7 with testimony scheduled to begin on February 10.

The rapper’s attorney has expressed his concerns about jurors having a bias against Tay-K due to his viral music video for “The Race.” In the piece, he poses in front of his own wanted poster. “The nature of the case involved a music video, and that music video is very famous and well-known,” the attorney said. “We may need more than the average jury pool because people are familiar and may have formed an opinion.”

Read More: Tay-K Sports New Look In Leaked Photos From Court

Tay-K Appears In Court

The latest update comes after Tay-K went viral on social media. Images of him from a recent court appearance circulated online. He rocks glasses in the pictures, which sparked numerous jokes. “N***a looks like them inmates come to him for bites of wisdom at the yard,” one user on X (former Twitter) remarked. Another joked: “My boy look like he hard to beat at chess.” Others expressed concerns about the apparent scar on the back of his neck. “The scar along the back of his neck. A attempt has been made on his life,” one user wrote. “Pay attention!!!!!”

Tay-K is now 24 years old, having been originally arrested in June 2017 at the age of just 17. He dropped “The Race” on the same day authorities apprehended him following several months on the run. The song peaked at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Be on the lookout for further updates on Tay-K’s second murder trial on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: NLE Choppa Explains Why XXXTentacion Was A “Prophet” & Speaks On Tay-K

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PnB Rock’s Murder: New Video Evidence Debunks Theory About His Girlfriend’s Involvement

New details have emerged regarding the killing of PnB Rock. According to CBS News Philadelphia, new surveillance footage from the Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles restaurant in Los Angeles where the rapper was killed debunks a popular internet theory that his girlfriend, Stephanie Sibounheuang, revealed their location on social media, helping the killers find them.

In the video, the set-up begins the moment Rock walks into the restaurant. They ended up having to wait 40 minutes for their food, during which time Rock made a phone call. The video also shows the moment of his death, which confirms the rapper never had a realistic chance to hand over his jewelry, as he was shot just seconds after the gunman approached him.

Read More: Wack 100 Reveals PnB Rock’s Eerie Response When Asked About Having No Security

PnB Rock Performs At The University Of Guam

PnB Rock performed to hundreds of fans at the University of Guam Calvo. Fieldhouse on July 29. © Virgilio Valencia /For PDN. Via Imagn Images.

Sibounheuang has spoken out about the trauma she’s dealt with from Rock’s death numerous times on social media. “I am 100% not ok,” she wrote in 2022. “If I wasn’t spiritual I could kill my self (but then I’ll go to hell and my man not there) My man saved my life, Throwing me under that table. I’m not supposed to be here but bc of him. I am. No one would be able to handle this. TBH, I can’t even handle this.” Kodak Black was one of the many voices to put blame on Sibounheuang for Rock’s death.

PnB Rock’s Death Gets New Details

Freddie Lee Trone is currently serving 31 years in prison after being convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, and second-degree murder in connection to the incident back in August. Trone’s son, who pulled the trigger in the killing, remains in custody but was only 17 at the time and found to be operating on his father’s orders. Check out CBS News‘ discussion with True Crime News‘ Ana Garcia about PnB Rock below and be on the lookout for further updates on HotNewHipHop.

 
 
 
 
 
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Read More: Judge In PnB Rock’s Murder Case Deems Alleged Teen Shooter Not Fit To Stand Trial

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2Pac’s Brother Remains Unconvinced Diddy Wasn’t Allegedly Involved In Late Rapper’s Murder

2Pac’s brother, Mopreme Shakur, says he’s not fully convinced the allegations that Diddy was in some way involved in the legendary rapper’s murder are untrue. He discussed the unfounded rumors during an appearance on Piers Morgan’s show, Uncensored, on Friday. Morgan began the segment by bringing up the infamous since-retracted story from the Los Angeles Times in 2008 about the allegations, in which Diddy denied any involvement.

“My opinion is that I don’t believe it was a 100 percent honest statement,” Mopreme told Morgan. “So, again, we gotta find out what’s true and what’s false. What’s real and what’s fake.” He also alleged that Diddy once denied his involvement to him in person in Los Angeles years after the murder. “[He] basically said he had nothing to do with my brother’s murder,” Mopreme alleged. “I told him, ‘The truth is still yet to come out, so we’re going to see.’ Here we are, 27, 28 years later, it looks like there’s some doubt in that statement, along with all the other suspicions that people have.” He concluded that “it’s time” for an investigation into the allegations.

Read More: Diddy’s Ex Bodyguard Claims Jay-Z Allegedly Hid From 2Pac In A Vegas Hotel Room

Mopreme Shakur Poses In Front Of 2Pac’s Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 07: (L-R) Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur and Mopreme Shakur attend the ceremony honoring Tupac Shakur with a posthumous Star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on June 07, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Over the years, Diddy has never faced any charges in connection to the allegations. The interview with Morgan comes as Diddy resides behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while awaiting trial in his case regarding allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering. He’s already pleaded not guilty to the alleged charges and plans to argue his innocence in court.

Mopreme Shakur Speaks With Piers Morgan

His conversation with Mopreme isn’t the only controversy Morgan has been wrapped up in this month. He’s also faced plenty of backlash for platforming Jaguar Wright, who made unfounded allegations about JAY-Z and Beyonce while on his show. Check out his conversation with Mopreme below. Be on the lookout for further updates on 2Pac and Diddy on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Tupac Murder’s Crime Scene Investigator Alleges That Diddy Had Something To Do With It

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Bricc Baby Was “Sick” When He Learned His Friend, Eric Holder, Killed Nipsey Hussle

Bricc Baby says he was “sick” when he found out it was his “little bro,” Eric Holder, who killed Nipsey Hussle back in 2019. He detailed his initial reaction to the news that the legendary West Coast rapper had been killed during a recent sit-down with VladTV.

As Vlad described the murder of Nipsey, Bricc described it as “overkill.” As for his initial reaction, Bricc explained that he was in jail at the time and didn’t believe what he was hearing. Once he realized the story seemed to be true, he says he ran to the phone for confirmation. His friend on the other line hinted that it was somebody Bricc knew, but needed to find a way to tell him over the jail phone. Once he learned it was Holder, his mourning turned to stress. “I’m catching on, but my tears freeze up, they immediately stop because now I’m like this is bigger. I can’t even mourn this situation,” he said. “My head just went automatically to politics.”

Read More: DJ Akademiks Goes Off On Bricc Baby After He Disses Him Over Earnings

Eric Holder Appears In Court For Sentencing

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 22: Eric Holder, center, listens during sentencing proceeding in the murder of Nipsey Hussle in Superior Court on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Hussle was shot and killed in the parking lot of his store, Marathon Clothing, on March 31, 2019. A few days later, police arrested Holder. In 2022, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter relating to injuries he caused to bystanders during the incident. He’s currently serving a 60-year prison sentence.

Bricc Baby Discusses His Friendship With Eric Holder

Check out Bricc’s full comments on Eric Holder and the killing below. In the wake of Nipsey’s death, tons of prominent voices in hip-hop shared tributes mourning the rapper. Be on the lookout for further updates on Bricc Baby and Nipsey Hussle on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Wack 100 Disrespects Bricc Baby’s Dead Family Members While Denying Super Bowl Altercation Rumors

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Al B Sure Theorizes That Diddy’s Ex, Kim Porter, Was Murdered

Al B Sure says that the new memoir allegedly written by Kim Porter before her death is manipulated and described it as “calculated fiction” in a rant on Instagram on Monday morning. In the wake of authorities arresting Porter’s ex, Diddy, on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, Al B Sure wants an investigation into her death. Kim’s Lost Words: A Journey for Justice from the Other Side released on Amazon, earlier this month.

“I am writing this post to formally request an investigation into an entire group of individuals who worked at or around the residence of Ms. Kimberly Porter including the publicists who assisted drafting this,” Al B wrote. “It has come to my attention that these persons were also instructed to steal her computer and mobile devices, which contained her ‘original book notes.’ Original notes are distinct from the fabricated bullsh*t and offensive pages circulated via Amazon which depict graphic sexual acts involving me that NEVER took place and were edited and added after Ms. Porter’s tragic murder.”

Read More: Al B. Sure Insinuates Diddy Had Something To Do With His Coma

Al B Sure Performs During Women Empowerment Luncheon

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – 2023/04/13: Al B. Sure performs during Women Empowerment Luncheon at NAN 2023 convention day 2 at Sheraton Times Square. (Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

He continued: “I urge you to consider who authorized such a fictitious publication without categorizing it as ‘Calculated Fiction.’ The publicists and conspirators worked in concert, from separate camps launching this campaign which appears to be a very personal and a deliberate distraction from there involvement in covering horrific crimes, assisted in, & perplexed the public for many years, which I have personally experienced and cautiously deemed just a ‘medical crisis’ for legal reasons until the rest of these atrocities were uncovered by authorities making it more believable to a gullible public that has been fooled for so long.” From there, he brought up Cassie and theorized that Porter was planning to sue Diddy in a similar way. Check out the full posts on Instagram below.

Al B Sure Speaks On Diddy’s Arrest

Porter died in November 2018 after a sudden bout with pneumonia. As for Diddy’s recent arrest, he’s already pleaded not guilty to the charges. He’s also denied all of the allegations he’s faced over the last year. Be on the lookout for further updates on Al B Sure and Diddy on HotNewHipHop.

 
 
 
 
 
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Read More: Al B. Sure Details “Miraculous” Recovery After Coma Amid Rumors Diddy Caused It

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Ex-NFL Player Cierre Wood Sentenced For Child’s Murder: Breaking Down The Brutal Case

Although Cierre Wood‘s NFL career may have been brief, no one expected his fall from grace to be such a crash landing. In the early 2000s, Wood dominated the field, impressing scouts with his promise in the big leagues. Recruits were tracking his progress, and he had the choice to attend schools known for their successful football programs—USC, UCLA, UC Berkley, and Notre Dame. He decided on the latter but ran into some trouble for violating team rules. Then, Wood jumped into the 2013 NFL Draft, looking for a spot on a coveted team. He went undrafted, but the Houston Texans picked him up as a free agent.

Ten months later, Wood faced disappointment when the Texans released him due to, once again, a violation of team rules. Wood would drift through several teams over the next year and a half, including the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle, and Buffalo Bills. Wood faded from football’s main stage after taking a chance with two Canadian teams and hasn’t been active since then. Yet, no one expected that in 2019, he and his girlfriend, Amy Taylor, would be arrested for the murder of Taylor’s five-year-old daughter, La’Rayah Davis.

This case stunned the sports community, and once it began to circulate, the details turned stomachs. This month, the world learned Wood’s fate for his participation in La’Rayah’s brutal death: life in prison. Wood reportedly gave an Alford plea and will be eligible for parole after ten years. This case of child abuse has some calling for stricter punishments for both Taylor and Wood, particularly considering the state of little La’Rayah’s remains.

What Happened?

On April 9, 2019, La’Rayah Davis underwent an experience that no child should ever encounter. That day, La’Rayah was subjected to several workout drills, many of which mirrored those that Wood faced during his college and professional football days. Reports state that when Wood was arrested the following day, he detailed what occurred. According to the former football player, La’Rayah was an overweight five-year-old; specifically, he was “trying to get her on the right path due to her being chunky.” He also made her do wall squats and sit-ups until she became fatigued. Through this, Wood told police that this was “learning through fun,” per Newsweek.

Sadly, La’Rayah couldn’t sustain the punishment, and after completing the second set of sit-ups, the little girl fell backward. She then hit her head, stood up, and collapsed. La’Rayah Davis was dead, and authorities scrambled to piece together what had been going on in Wood and Taylor’s home. In court, prior texts between Taylor and Wood showed the couple discussing how they didn’t want La’Rayah to go to school covered in bruises. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported there were more than 100 bruises on La’Rayah Davis’ body.

The Autopsy Detailed A Tragedy

The injuries La’Rayah sustained spelled more than just a workout gone wrong. Her cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma, and an autopsy revealed much more than a child that hit their head or was over-exerted. Reports state the Las Vegas coroner found that La’Rayah had several contusions on her skull along with 20 fractures to her rib. She also had bruises on her heart and diaphragm. However, it was the “liver laceration” that “was the probable cause” of her death.

Days before she was subjected to her workout punishment, La’Rayah was said to have complained of pains in her chest. Her mother, Amy Taylor, admitted to police that it was most likely caused by Taylor sitting on La’Rayah’s stomach and chest as a form of punishment. She also revealed that the day La’Rayah died, Taylor hit her for misbehaving.

La’Rayah Was At The Center Of A Custody Battle

@jahlen.johnson

La’Rayah Davis is one of the many children in this world that I will never forget. She would be 10 years old now. There is no justice here. In what world is this enough? Cierre Wood and Amy Taylor do not ever deserve to leave prison. Ever. #larayahdavis #cierrewood #nfl #exnfl #amytaylor

♬ original sound – jahlen.Johnson

While specifics regarding the relationship between Amy Taylor and La’Rayah’s father, Daunan Davis, are scarce, it was shared that the two were engaged in a custody battle. Davis was reportedly seeking full custody of his daughter but instead received a call that no parent ever wants to accept. Us Weekly stated that at the time of La’Rayah’s death, Taylor and Davis shared custody, with Davis living in California. “She had so many people that she touched, and she’s only five,” Davis told NBC back in 2019. “Her not to be alive and how much life she had, that’s the tragic thing about it.”

The grieving father also described La’Rayah as a “very smart” kid. He revealed he spoke with her just two days before her death, sharing that his daughter told him she feared Wood would beat her if she said anything wrong. Davis said he felt “robbed” and struggled with blaming himself. “I hate myself for it, but it’s not even my fault,” he expressed.

Taylor & Wood’s Sentencing

As previously stated, Wood was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after ten years. He pleaded guilty to felony child abuse and second-degree murder. The Guardian also shared that Wood “must also serve between 28 months and six years for the child abuse charge.” Meanwhile, Taylor also pleaded guilty to the same charges Wood faced. For the child abuse charge, she received eight to 20 years. However, she also was tacked with life in prison for La’Rayah’s murder.

Wood attempted to defend himself during the trial. His lawyer argued that Wood wasn’t home when Taylor abused La’Rayah, singling out his girlfriend as the only one who physically harmed the little girl. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Wood told police he was at work when his girlfriend abused her daughter. He also said he provided a better life for Taylor but “kind of did nothing” to protect the girl.

The Judge Doesn’t Hold Back

Meanwhile, District Judge Jacqueline Bluth didn’t take that as an answer and brought up the text messages between Taylor and Wood. “It’s very hard for me to believe that you just passively stood there while this child was basically being beaten to death,” she said. “You are both guilty, and you better thank Mr. Ericsson for every single second that you got off because if a jury heard these text messages and saw the pictures of that child that I had to see, you would be doing life without the possibility of parole.”

“Your heart absolutely breaks and you think, ‘How can somebody be so cruel?,’” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Dena Rinetti.

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Vybz Kartel Denied Bail By Supreme Court In Jamaica, Murder Charge Still Pending

JamaicanAppealCourtDeniesVybzKartel'sMotionforMurderConviction

Dancehall star Vybz Kartel and two of his three co-accused will remain behind bars after a judge rejected the habeas corpus application submitted by their attorneys Thursday.

Supreme Court Justice Andrea Thomas ruled that in the absence of a verdict of acquittal by the Privy Council the charge of murder remains in effect for Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, and his co-accused Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell and Andre St John.

In declaring that their present custodial status is not in breach of the constitution, Justice Thomas told a packed court room at the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston that, “In view of the fact that their appeal is not yet determined they should remain in custody until their appeal is concluded.

“That is until a verdict of acquittal is entered or there is a decision for a retrial,” Thomas said.

The ruling comes after an intense court battle to determine whether Kartel and the two men were being illegally detained by the state. Attorney for the men, Isat Buchanan, argued in submissions that “a conviction must exist for there to be authority to detain” the men.

Meanwhile, state attorneys argued that the quashing of the convictions by the Privy Council in March did not equate to an acquittal and only reverted the men to their pretrial status with murder charges that are still “live”. The defense lawyers had on May 13 filed a writ of habeas corpus application seeking their clients’ release, arguing that there was no order by the Apex Court for the continued detention of their clients and as such they should be released.

The defence lawyers had on May 13 filed a writ of habeas corpus application seeking their clients’ release, arguing that there was no order by the Apex Court for the continued detention of their clients and as such they should be released.

The Privy Council’s ruling followed an appeal made in February by lawyers representing the then-convicts, who argued various grounds, including the admissibility of telecommunication evidence, allegations of jury misconduct, and pressure on the jury to reach a verdict.

Since the ruling, the artiste has remained in prison. Shortly after, Kartel questioned the need for a retrial in his statement to Fox 5 News, saying, “I feel victorious in this very moment as the Privy Council, in their infinite wisdom, understood the assignment and remedied the situation by quashing my conviction! I am now back to being an innocent man in the eyes of the law. A grave injustice was done to me and my co-accused in the original trial… and my cries were heard in the land’s highest court.”

The post Vybz Kartel Denied Bail By Supreme Court In Jamaica, Murder Charge Still Pending first appeared on The Source.

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Ex-TikTok Star Sentenced To Life For Double Murder Involving Wife: What We Know About Ali Abulaban’s Conviction

A former TikTok star, Ali Abulaban, was found guilty on Wednesday of two counts of first-degree murder for the fatal shootings of his estranged wife and another man in their San Diego apartment in 2021. Ali had gained prominence on TikTok for his impersonations of 6ix9ine and Al Pacino’s Scarface, though his trial has undoubtedly overshadowed his viral fame. Abulaban, 31, admitted to killing Ana Abulaban, 28, and Rayburn Barron, 29, but claimed he acted in a moment of rage after discovering the pair together on the sofa. The case has drawn significant attention due to Abulaban’s social media fame and the disturbing details of the crime. As the trial concluded, the jury’s decision brought some closure to a case that has captivated many.

Read More: Rappers Who Have Received Lengthy Prison Sentences

The Murders & Trial

During the trial, Ali Abulaban didn’t deny killing his wife and Barron, testifying that he “snapped” after finding the two together on a sofa. The charges included special circumstances for multiple murders, ensuring that the TikTok star would receive a life sentence without parole. Prosecutors initially had the option to seek the death penalty but chose not to pursue it, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The jury began deliberation on Friday before reaching a verdict on Wednesday. This followed an 18-day trial to determine whether the killings were premeditated or, as the defense argued, a result of Abulaban acting in the heat of passion. The defense painted Abulaban’s actions as a result of being “driven to the brink” by his wife’s rejection, in addition to his struggles with cocaine addiction and mental health issues.

Prosecution’s Case

Prosecutors portrayed the ex-TikTok star’s crime as a calculated and deliberate murder. They described Ali Abulaban as a controlling and possessive husband who had physically abused his wife for years. The separation was a significant turning point, leading to the tragic events of October 21, 2021, they said. 

On the morning of the murders, Ali Abulaban reportedly installed a microphone app on their daughter’s iPad, and ransacked the unit after entering the apartment once his ex-wife left. Prosecutors claimed he listened in real-time as Ana and Barron conversed and laughed. Then, he returned to the apartment and committed the murders. Surveillance cameras captured his movements, and the audio of the fatal shots was a key piece of evidence in the trial.

Read More: Professor Sues TikToker Accusing Her Of Planning Slayings

The Day Of The Killings

The events of that fateful day were chilling. Around 3 p.m., Abulaban heard his wife and Barron through the eavesdropping app. He rushed to the building, ascended to the 35th floor, and entered the apartment with a gun. According to prosecutors, he fired multiple shots at close range, killing both victims. Barron was shot three times in the head and neck, while Ana was shot in the forehead. The trial’s dramatic opening included the playing of security camera audio, capturing the shots, a woman’s scream, and the ensuing silence.

Ali Abulaban’s Defense & Testimony

During the trial, Ali Abulaban’s defense presented a narrative of a troubled man driven to a breaking point. His attorney described a tumultuous marriage filled with arguments and reconciliations, asserting that Abulaban’s judgment was impaired by substance abuse and emotional distress.

According to reports, Abulaban’s testimony on the stand was nothing short of volatile. His calm demeanor would often be interrupted by emotional outbursts in court. During his testimony, he stated that he never had the intention to kill anyone but felt overwhelmed by the situation. He also admitted that he called 911 and picked his daughter up from school afterward, telling her, “I hurt mommy.” Furthermore, his mother also took the stand and stated that he not only called her after the killings but also sent her pictures of the bloodied bodies on the couch. 

A Marriage Marked By Violence

The relationship between Ali and Ana Abulaban was fraught with violence and control. They met in Japan in 2014, where Ali was serving in the Air Force, ABC 10 reports. Prosecutors alleged that he was discharged from the army after punching his wife in the face. However, Ali refuted, claiming that she actually suffered an injury from a fall. The couple stayed together, moving to Virginia and later to San Diego. Nevertheless, prosecutors believe this specific incident was an early indication of the abuse that she suffered. In San Diego, Ali Abulaban gained popularity on TikTok under the handle JinnKid, known for his comedic impersonations of Al Pacino’s Scarface character and 6ix9ine. Ana often filmed his videos and even appeared in a few of his TikTok clips. Unfortunately, their personal life was far from comedic. 

Sentencing & Aftermath

Ali Abulaban is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28, facing life imprisonment without parole. The case has brought to light the dark side of social media fame and the severe consequences of domestic violence. Ana Abulaban’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of abusive relationships and the importance of seeking help. As the community and the nation grapple with the aftermath, the hope remains that Ana Abulaban’s story will inspire more robust support systems for victims of domestic violence and greater awareness of the signs of abusive behavior.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow Arrested On 140-Count Indictment Against Alleged Gang Members One Year Ago

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On this date in 2023, Brooklyn drill rappers Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow are of over 32 alleged gang members arrested in a 140-count indictment in New York.

According to the New York Daily News, Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow treated fellow gang members to a splurging dinner at a Manhattan steak house in celebration of a 2020 shooting executred at Prospect Lefferts Gardens that killed 23-year-old Theodore Senior and injured five mores.

In addition, one of the members was awarded with a new custom gold chain referencing the street the dead man was from. According to NYPD Deputy Chief Jason Savino, the members wore matching outfits during their visit to the steakhouse.

24-year-old Sheff G, born Michael Williams, and 23-year-old, Sleepy Hollow, born Tegan Chambers, and 30 additional gang members were connected to 27 occasions of violence, which included at minium a dozen shootings. The arrested men and women are alleged members of 8 Trey Crips and 9 Way gangs.

“Sheff G is not a wannabe drill rapper. He is a legitimate person who made it good. He has gold records, he’s made a lot of money. He rented a very large house, some may call it a mansion, in Short Hills, N.J.,” Gonzalez said.

He added, “He [Sheff G] used his fame and fortune to elevate gang violence in Brooklyn.”

The investigation began after the Gardens shooting, sparked by social media disses between G and a Folk Nation gang-affiliated rapper. The shooting was executed in partnership of 8 Trey and 9 way. Authorities revealed a text message from Sheff G’s sister Williams’ stated members of the rival gangs needed “to get hit or killed.” Sheff G asked for receipts to show the executed shooting, receiving images fo the victim and news articles.

Sheff G served 15 months behind bars on these charges before the 25-year-old Brooklynite was released from the Otis Bantum Correctional Center in the Bronx on April 19. Sleepy Hallow was released the day before Valentine’s Day of 2023 after serving only eight months behind bars.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow Arrested On 140-Count Indictment Against Alleged Gang Members One Year Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow Arrested On 140-Count Indictment Against Alleged Gang Members One Year Ago appeared first on The Source.