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XXXTENTACION Trial: Defense Lawyer’s Motion To Introduce Rapper’s Alleged Cheating Rejected By Judge

February 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

XXXTENTACTION’s family is finally inching closer to justice. Still, not before the defense lawyers in court this month make every attempt to clear their client’s name. As you may recall, the 20-year-old tragically lost his life during a 2018 shooting. At this time, Dedrick Williams, Michael Boatwright, and Trayvon Newsome are awaiting their fates. The fourth accomplice, Robert Allen previously plead guilty to second-degree murder and is now acting as the state’s witness.

Thanks to YouTube’s Law & Crime channel, fans of the Broward County-born artist have been tuning in to the trial. Recent sessions have seen some eyebrow-raising updates, including confirmation that Drake will be required to sit down for a deposition. Additionally, photos taken by the suspected murderers in the hours after XXX’s death are circulating online.

Fans leave items at a makeshift memorial outside the XXXTentacion Funeral & Fan Memorial at BB&T Center on June 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)

According to Allen’s testimony, the money the men are holding in the images was taken out of the bank earlier that day. The rapper initially hoped to withdraw $250K, but the teller told XXXTENTACION that she’d have to place an order for $200K and he could take the rest. He was ambushed in his luxury car later that day. Surprisingly, his uncle somehow managed to evade the shooters and escape.

It seems as though the defense lawyers are grasping at any possible way to turn things in their favour. In a video of the courthouse stream reposted by Akademiks, a lawyer makes his case to the judge. “Part of what I’m going to be getting into is infidelity, how infidelity prompted him to use other phones,” the attorney says.

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“And doing things to avoid the fact that he was being unfaithful. I believe that one of the women he was being unfaithful with was Trecedes, and the fact that he tattooed her name on his forehead is such a rare act. I think it’s indicative of how he feels about her and how scared he would be…” the defense lawyer went on.

Without a moment’s hesitation, the judge responds, “That’ll be denied,” resulting in both attorneys walking away to re-evaluate. In Akademiks’ Instagram comments, plenty of followers are ridiculing the legal antics unfolding before them. “Literally has no correlation with the case,” one person pointed.

“These lawyers really be trying anything,” and “How are these lawyers? Bruh,” others wrote, making fun of the attorney’s desperate plea. Read more about what’s been taking place during XXXTENTACION’s murder trial here, and check back later for more updates.

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XXXTENTACION’s Accused Killers Took Photos With Cash Robbed From Late Rapper: Report

February 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As we wait for more updates regarding Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial, another celebrity case has taken over the spotlight. Nearly five years after the tragic death of XXXTENTACION, the rapper’s murder suspects ate facing their day in court. Thus far, the details the jury has heard – including a video of the gruesome moment he was shot – are harrowing. At this time, more information only continues to come.

In this handout provided by the Miami Dade County Corrections, Rapper XXXTentacion, also known as Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy poses for his mugshot after being charged with seven new felonies stemming from a 2016 domestic violence case on December 15, 2017 in Miami, Florida. The new charges are for witness tampering and harassment. (Photo by Miami Dade County Corrections via Getty Images)

In a 2018 report, TMZ revealed that three of the four suspects knew each other beforehand. They also weren’t shy about flexing their money on social media. Weeks before X’s death, Dedrick Williams posted a video that sees him, Robert Allen, and Trayvon Newsome sifting through bills. Interestingly, Michael Boatwright wasn’t a part of these posts. However, he seemingly took a moment to pose with the money taken from the 20-year-old during the South Florida robbery.

Law&Crime Executive Producer Cathy Russon has been tweeting from the courtroom in the midst of this week’s trial. On Thursday (February 9), she had several updates to provide. Among them was Newsome yelling at Allen (who’s now acting as the state’s witness) while walking to the holding area. “There he is working with the police!” the former exclaimed. “You’re working with the white man now!”

During a defense attorney questioning the deputy, the deputy starts to demonstrate what happened and the attorney puts his hands up telling him not to get too close to him. (seems overly dramatic) #XXXTentacion pic.twitter.com/eLS35Rf86z

— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) February 9, 2023

Elsewhere in her coverage, the Twitter reporter revealed the aforementioned image of Boatright allegedly posing with money that was taken from XXXTENTACION just hours before. “Defendant turned state’s witness testifies this is X’s cash and photo taken after the homicide,” she explained in the caption. Another photo in the same thread sees Newsome smiling big while holding a stack of $100 bills in his hand.

“Pictures taken a couple days after #XXXTentacion murder. Shows defendant #MichaelBoatwright and #RobertAllen flashing a lot of cash,” Russon points out in another post. She also notes that the latter seen in the final photo has testified that the money belonged to the “Jocelyn Flores” artist. At the end of the thread, the journalist shares a picture of the gun Williams had on him during the assassination. This was also confirmed as per Allen.

Picture taken after #XXXTentacion murder, same day shows defendant #TrayvonNewsome flashing a lot of cash. Defendant turned state’s witness testifies this is X’s cash and photo taken after the homicide. pic.twitter.com/dFRM4yRegU

— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) February 9, 2023

Robert Allen identifies this as the gun defendant #DedrickWilliams had the day #XXXTentacion was robbed and killed. pic.twitter.com/XgQDiuLqJT

— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) February 9, 2023

Earlier this week, jurors also heard the Broward County native’s uncle recount the day of his death. As you may recall, X had his family member in the vehicle with him at the time of the tragic incident. Surprisingly, he even managed to make it out of his nephew’s luxury vehicle alive. Read everything Leonard Kerr had to say on the stand here, and check back later for more hip-hop news updates. RIP.

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Drake Ordered To Sit Down For Deposition In XXXTENTACION Murder Case

February 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

For months, a lawyer of one of the co-defendants accused of murdering XXXTENTACION has attempted to rope Drake into the case. It began a few months ago when the prosecutors and defense attorneys submitted a potential witness list. The defense attorney for Dedrick Williams, Mauricio Padilla, listed a number of celebrities with known relationships and feuds with XXXTENTACION, including Quavo, Offset, Joe Budden, and Drake. Still, Broward County Judge Michael Usan didn’t initially think Drake’s presence was necessary in this case.

The prosecutors never suggested Drake had involvement in X’s death, though Padilla’s frequently pushed the theory that the Her Loss rapper was never investigated for the crime. “Before X died, he said, ‘If anybody kills me, it’s Drake.’ Do you think sitting here years later, any detective has ever asked Drake or anybody like that? No,” Padilla said during opening statements, per Complex. “This is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Excluding an order from this court, we all know that I will never be able to take his deposition.”

Judge Grants Motion To Depose Drake

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Per Rolling Stone, a judge granted Padilla’s petition for an “order to show cause.” This means Drake will now have to sit down for a deposition, scheduled for Feb. 24th, which will take place through Zoom, per Billboard. “If deponent Aubrey Drake Graham does not appear to deposition he must appear before this court on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 at 10 a.m. EST at so [sic] the court can determine why he should not be held in contempt,” the motion reads.

Padilla cited the post from X where he alleged that Drake was trying to kill him. However, X later recanted his statement, claiming he was hacked. Still, Padilla referenced how their beef escalated throughout X’s career, including commentary from Akademiks, who reportedly warned X that “although he did not believe that Graham was a violent person, Onfroy could be pushing him to retaliate.” Furthermore, the filing includes quotes from X’s mom, who said she asked the rapper’s relatives to accompany him to purchase a motorcycle due to his “ongoing battle with Drake and Migos.”

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XXXTENTACION Murder Trial To Begin This Week

January 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Trial for the murder of XXXTENTACION is set to begin later this week, five years after the 2018 armed robbery that took his life. Furthermore, jury selection for the trial hasn’t finished, but NBC6 reported that trial will begin this week. Moreover, codefendants Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Devonshay Williams and Trayvon Newsome will stand trial.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: A view of a tribute to slain rapper XXXtentacion during day 2 of Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

However, a fourth codefendant Robert Allen pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges in August of 2022. While he still faces a sentence, he’s expected to testify against the three colleagues to lighten it.

“[Allen] pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense of second-degree murder and robbery with a firearm,” said his attorney Jim Lewis. “He still faces a life sentence. Obviously, we are hoping for better than that. But his sentence is deferred and it is likely he will be called as a witness in the case against the other three co-defendants.”

Moreover, he said that “Mr. Allen’s role was much less than the other three involved. It was always kind of contemplated that the State was looking to use him as a witness in the case.”

Still, if convicted, all three codefendants face life behind bars. However, authorities believe that Boatwright fatally shot the “Moonlight” rapper in the Florida armed robbery. Afterwards, they escaped with $50,000 in a Louis Vuitton bag, which belonged to X.

Soon after the incident, officials arrested all four men and charged them with first-degree murder and armed robbery. When trial began taking shape, authorities named Drake, 6ix9ine, Joe Budden, and Quavo as potential witnesses in the Broward County trial.

Meanwhile, many fans believe that the 6 God is more involved than one might expect. For example, they had a brief clash after X accused Drake of biting his hi “Look At Me!” on his track “KMT.” Later, X wrote ” “If anyone tries to kill me it was [Drake]” on his story before claiming someone hacked him. While no evidence presented links Drake to the crime, lawyers believe him and other hip-hop figures could help this case.

Still, even the Canadian artist’s own music led fans to believe he had something to do with X’s death. Moreover, the song “Mob Ties” caught the eyes of many for apparent allusions to the incident. “Louis bags in exchange for body bags,” he raps on the song.

However, what do you think of XXXTENTACION’s murder trial set to begin later this week? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, come back to HNHH for the latest updates on this story.

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XXXTENTACION Murder Suspects Face Trial Five Years After Rapper’s Death

January 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The trial for the three co-defendants accused of killing XXXTENTACION begins this week, five years after the rapper died.

Per AllHipHop, the jury selection process in the XXTENTACION murder trial began on Wednesday. Michael Boatwright, 28, Dedrick Williams, 26, and Trayvon Newsome, 24. Prosecutors claim Boatwright shot XXXTENTACION while Williams and Newsome served as accomplices. All three face a life sentence if convicted. Police arrested the three on murder and robbery charges, though they pleaded not guilty to all counts.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 10: (EDITORS NOTE: Best quality available) In this handout photo provided by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Boatwright, 22, a suspect in the shooting of rapper XXXTentacion, is seen in a police booking photo after his arrest on charges of first-degree murder July 10, 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Broward County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

The fourth suspect, Robert Allen, agreed to cooperate and testify against the other three as part of his plea deal.

In the pre-trial hearing, the attorneys for the murder suspects suggested that there could be other individuals with motives who could’ve killed XXXTENTACION. They previously shared a potential witness list that included names like Quavo and Offset, though one of the attorneys pressed the judge to order Drake to sit down for a deposition. They claimed that personal and financial motives could’ve led to X’s death, such as X’s feud with the Canadian artist. A judge told the attorneys that they needed substantial evidence beyond online feuds linking rap artists to XXXTENTACION’s death.

Still, it appears that Williams’ attorney is hopeful of the outcome of the trial.

“It’s been over four long years in the making. We are excited to take this first step to bringing Dedrick home,” Mauricio Padilla told the Associated Press.

POMPANO BEACH,FL – JUNE 20: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Best quality available) In this handout image provided by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Dedrick D. Williams poses for his mugshot after being arrested on suspicion of murdering rapper XXXTentacion on June 20, 2018 in Pompano Beach, Florida. (Photo by Broward Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

The three suspects allegedly demanded money from X before shooting him and leaving with $50K in cash.

Following jury selection, the judge confirmed that opening statements in the trial will begin in Febuary. We’ll keep you posted on further updates surrounding the trial.

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YNW Melly’s Mom Shares Heartfelt Letter From Rapper Following The Holidays

January 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly spent yet another holiday season behind bars as he awaits his murder trial but his family’s making sure that he’s in good spirits.

Jamie King, YNW Melly’s mother, took to Instagram where she shared a photo of a letter Melly sent her recently. King and her family paid a visit to Broward County Jail in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to wish Melly a merry Christmas. However, they weren’t able to visit him inside the facility. Instead, they held signs outside in hopes that Melly would see their message.

In the letter, Melly expressed his utmost appreciation for King, his grandma, and B-Slime for showing up for him.

“Damn, y’all made my night, my whole month. So glad I seen y’all, I hope you see me. I know y’all did right when you went screaming ‘I SEE HIM,’ they made you leave,” YNW Melly wrote. “Lit da whole jail up. Even tho they tried to make it da worst, still you found a way to make it the BEST.”

“I will always be here to make your darkest nights bright even if I have to bring the light to you son I love you [YNW Melly] so much my 1st born,” she wrote.

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A post shared by Jamie King (@jamiek_ynw)

While YNW Melly appears to be in good spirits, he expressed concerns about jail conditions last month. In a series of statements, Melly explained how he feared for his life due to the treatment he faced from jail officials.

“I am being subjected to cruel and unusual treatment at the hands of deputies and high-ranking staff of the Broward Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “I have been threatened by Deputies, Lieutenants and Sergeants. They say ‘they will hide me from the world’ and threaten to ‘beat my ass every day.’ If I tell my lawyers they will lie and say I hit them first.”

We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding YNW Melly’s case.

Takeoff Update: Alleged Killer Wants Judge To Help Fund Defense

December 7, 2022 by newhiphopnews

It’s only been just over a month since Takeoff was tragically shot and killed at a private party in Houston. Last week, Houston police arrested and charged the alleged gunman, Patrick Xavier Clark, with murder in Takeoff’s sudden death.

Clark is now claiming that he is unable to afford the hiring of a private investigator. Since he will need one to start building his defense, the accused is asking a judge for the money.

Rapper Takeoff of the hip hip group Migos performs on the Sahara stage during week 1, day 3 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 15, 2018 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella )

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Clark is asking for an initial sum of $5,000. He claims he needs the money in order to hire a private investigator. He’s “financially unable to cover the costs,” according to the papers.

The alleged murderer claims to have already found a P.I. who will work on the case for a reduced rate of $85/hour. He just doesn’t have the money to pay for it himself.

The docs are also claiming that Clark’s family is unable to financially assist, as they’ve spent all of their money on his attorney.

The attorney is further arguing that a private investigator is necessary for the Takeoff case. In order to “properly investigate [Clark’s] case and to prepare effectively for trial,” he claims.

The accused 33-year-old is a known DJ in the Houston area who goes by DJ Pat, according to DJ Akademiks.

According to court documents, Takeoff alleged killer, Patrick Clark (DJ Pat) applied for an Emergency Passport days after killing Takeoff and booked a flight to Mexico. When Police arrested him, he had large amounts of cash on him. Prosecutors claim he’s a flight risk for bond.

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) December 3, 2022

Recent reports indicate that although he claims innocence, Clark is “nervous and concerned” to appear in court. The funeral service for Takeoff took place at State Farm Arena in his hometown of Atlanta on November 11. A star-studded guest list made appearances to pay respect to their late friend.

Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys and Chlöe Bailey were among those who performed tributes for the sold-out crowd of 20,000. Make sure to stay tuned to HNHH with the latest updates in the trial.

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ICYMI: Court Date Postponed For Young Dolph Murder Suspect’s Trial

July 24, 2022 by newhiphopnews

A court date has been postponed for one of the men accused of murdering Young Dolph, born Adolph Thorton Jr., on Nov. 17, 2021 in Memphis.

32-year-old Cornelius Smith was expected in court last Monday, but will now appear on July 29. Smith will appear with his co-defendant, Justin Johnson who’s also accused in the shooting death of the “100 Shots” rapper last year.

Smith has been charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property over ten-thousand dollars. He’s also been charged with the attempted murder of Young Dolph’s brother, who was present at the time of the fatal shooting.

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