murder trial Archives - Page 2 of 8

Jam Master Jay’s Murder Trial Enters Jury Selection Phase

January 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The trial for Run DMC member Jam Master Jay’s murder is finally getting underway more than 20 years after it happened. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were first indicted for the murder back in 2020. Jay Bryant was also charged for his murder last year, though his trial isn’t due to start until much mater. With opening statements due to begin next week, an important part of the process for the upcoming trial got underway earlier today. Jury selection for the case began as the prosecution and defense will slim down a pool of jurors to those who will decide the fate of Jordan and Washington.

Prosecutors allege that the murder happened as a result of a disagreement over a drug deal. They claim that the three men in question entered Jay’s studio in New York. Once there they claim Jordan fatally shot him in the head from close range. Opening statements in the trial of Jordan and Washington are scheduled to begin on January 29. Both pleaded not guilty in order to take their chances at trial. Bryant, the third man accused, is being tried separately after his lawyer claims he can prove his innocence. He also claims that the other two defendants would turn on him if all three were tried together.

Jury Selection Begins For Jam Master Jay’s Murder Trial

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 05: Darryl McDaniels and Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons of the Hip Hop group “Run DMC” are seen at a photoshoot for Adidas in front of a Jam Master Jay mural by Kenya D. Lawton in Hollis Avenue, Queens. on October 05, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

For the trial of the first two men accused they’re looking for a unique jury approach. The prosecution requested the rare move of a split jury made up of two entirely separate groups. What do you think of the long-awaited murder trial of Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers getting under way soon? Do you think they’ll be found guilty of his murder? Let us know in the comment section below.

[Via]

The post Jam Master Jay’s Murder Trial Enters Jury Selection Phase appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Keefe D Hires New Lawyer Ahead Of 2Pac Murder Trial

January 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Late last year it was reported that the man accused of being responsible for 2Pac’s murder, Keefe D, didn’t have the finances to hire a lawyer. He would instead be using public defenders Charles Cano and Robert Arroyo, who were appointed to represent him in November. They dealt with his request for bail, which was later set at $750K. While it was more than his lawyers were hoping for, prosecutors fought hard to keep him behind bars ahead of his trial. They argued that he was simply too dangerous to let out. He’s currently in custody at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas.

Keefe D’s trial is scheduled for June of this year, and to prepare, he recently hired a new private attorney. Carl Arnold, a Nevada lawyer, will replace his public defenders. It’s unclear whether or not Keefe D and his family will be able to gather the funds necessary to post his bail before the trial. If he is released, however, he’ll be placed on house arrest.

Keefe D Secures New Legal Representation

Duane “Keffe D” Davis appears in court with his attorney Charles Cano for a hearing at the Regional Justice Center on January 9, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Davis was indicted in 2023 on murder charges for his involvement in the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996. (Photo by Rachel Aston-Pool/Getty Images)

Previously, Keefe D has spoken openly about his alleged involvement in 2Pac’s murder. According to him, however, this was all simply for “entertainment.” In a court filing from December, his lawyers argued that their client believed he had immunity, and discussed the case solely for financial gain. “The book and video interviews were produced for a financial benefit under the belief that Duane had immunity,” they wrote. “The truthfulness of the content of the interviews was never verified. The book and interviews were done for entertainment purposes and to make money from a situation that Kading and others had already profited.”

Keefe D pleaded not guilty to 2Pac’s murder in November, and if convicted could face life in prison. What do you think of Keefe D reportedly dropping his public defenders before trial? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

The post Keefe D Hires New Lawyer Ahead Of 2Pac Murder Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

FBG Duck Murder: 6 O-Block Members Found Guilty

January 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Six members of the O-Block gang have been found guilty in the 2020 murder of drill rapper FBG Duck. A jury consisting of five men and seven women reached the verdict on Wednesday in a Chicago court. The anonymous group deliberated for approximately 16 hours before coming to an agreement. The guilty O-Block members include Charles Liggins, 32, Kenneth Roberson, 30, Christopher Thomas, 24, Marcus Smart, 25, Tacarlos Offerd, 32, and Ralph Turpin, 34. All six of them face life in prison.

While the jury found them all guilty of the murder in furtherance of a racketeering scheme, they remain mixed on other lesser counts. During the trial, the prosecution cited Duck’s track, “Dead Bitches,” which mocked the defendants’ slain associates, as noted by the Chicago Tribune. The attorney for Liggins argued in response that the song was just “good business.” “Part of YouTube promotion is clickbait. That’s what this was about. Mr. Weekly knew it … it’s marketing and promotion,” attorney Cynthia Giacchetti said in her closing remarks. “This is not fanning the flames of murder, this is fanning the flames of capitalism, making money for everybody.”

O-Block Six Found Guilty

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

The prosecution, on the other hand, argued that most of the defendants weren’t rappers and therefore, their beef wasn’t to increase album sales. “That’s because O-Block is a criminal enterprise,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Julien said. “It’s not a record label, it’s not Motown, it’s not Graceland. It’s a violent street gang that murders people and sells drugs. That’s the reality.”

FBG Duck’s murder went down in a drive-by shooting in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood in August 2020. By April 2023, police arrested all six of the defendants who have now been found guilty. At the time of publishing, a sentencing has not been set. Be on the lookout for further updates on the sentencing of the defendants in the murder of FBG Duck on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post FBG Duck Murder: 6 O-Block Members Found Guilty appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jam Master Jay’s Alleged Murderers Trials Will Begin This Month

January 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It’s been more than 20 years since Run DMC member Jam Master Jay was murdered in a New York recording studio. He was allegedly shot by two men who broke into his studio in October of 2002. It took quite a long time for any attempt at justice for the DJ through the legal system. Back in 2020, two men were indicted with the murder and accusations emerged of the whole affair being a drug deal gone wrong. In May of last year a third man was hit with charges for allegedly participating in the murder.

Now more than 21 years later we know when the first trials will get underway for those accused of playing a role in Jay’s murder. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were the first two men arrested and their trials are due to begin soon. According to TMZ, they’re currently in the jury selection phase with opening statements impending on January 29. The third man who was charged, Jay Bryant, isn’t expected to begin his trial until 2025. The first two both pleaded not guilty and a statement from Bryant’s lawyer indicates he will also do the same. “Securing an indictment in a secret grand jury, applying an extremely low burden of proof, is one thing. Proving it at trial is another matter,” the statement reads.

Jam Master Jay Murder Trials Starting This Month

American musician and DJ Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell (1965 – 2002), of the American hip hop group Run-D.M.C, performs on stage during the 1985 Fresh Fest at the Providence Civic Center in Providence, Rhode Island in August 1985. (Photo by John Nordell/Getty Images)

Because of some of the more unique elements of the trial the prosecution is requesting a dual jury. It’s a rare move that they hope will help make the trial of all three men go by as smoothly as possible. They already filed a motion to get a dual jury. At this time it’s unclear if that’s how the trial is moving forward.

What do you think of the trial of Jam Master Jay’s murderers starting later this month? Do you think the men will be convicted more than 20 years after the murder originally took place? Let us know in the comment section below.

[Via]

The post Jam Master Jay’s Alleged Murderers Trials Will Begin This Month appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Fredo Bang Reflects On YNW Melly’s Trial, Says They Haven’t Talked Since 2022

January 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Fredo Bang recently discussed the hung jury in the double murder case against YNW Melly and revealed that the two haven’t spoken to one another since 2022. Speaking with VladTV, he explained that the incarcerated rapper lost his phone privileges.

“Yeah. I had to because they kept tagging my name and stuff on Twitter,” Fredo said, when asked it he’s kept up with the trial. As for how he felt about the hung jury, he added: “I felt bad because I know a lot of people who have been in a situation like that, waiting years and years and years… I just felt bad for him because I know he’s ready to get it over with.”

Fredo Bang Attends BET Hip Hop Awards

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 03: Fredo Bang arrives to the BET Hip Hop Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 03, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Of their relationship, Fredo added: “We haven’t talked in a minute because they stripped him of his phone privileges and stuff. He can’t use the phone. It’s been a very long time since I’ve talked to him.” From there, he clarified that they last spoke in the spring of 2022. He also discussed his song, “Free Melly,” on which he raps about getting a subpoena in the investigation. “Don’t want to talk to feds, probably got my digits/Free Melly it been love since the beginning/Talking ’bout subpoena, tell that lady I ain’t get it,” he rhymes. Elsewhere in the interview, Fredo explains that he’s hoping to avoid the courtroom and is focused on his children. Check out Fredo’s full interview with VladTV below.

Fredo Bang Discusses YNW Melly’s Trial

Melly’s first double murder trial was conducted back in June 2023 and resulted in a hung jury. Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy later granted prosecutors a delay in the retrial, which will now kick off in February. Be on the lookout for further updates on Fredo Bang as well as YNW Melly’s case on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post Fredo Bang Reflects On YNW Melly’s Trial, Says They Haven’t Talked Since 2022 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YFN Lucci Will Be Able To Get A Haircut And New Clothes Before His Trial Begins

January 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The start of YFN Lucci’s murder trial is approaching and he just got some good news in the lead-up. In a few weeks, it will have been three full years since Lucci was originally arrested and charged with murder. The story broke on January 14, 2021 and Lucci has been in custody ever since. Though he looks pretty different now than he did at the time, that will change before his trial gets underway.

As TMZ reports, Lucci has been granted access to some essentials that will help him look his best in time for trial. That starts with a professional haircut and shave likely in an attempt to reach as presentable a look as possible. It will be accompanied by some new clothes as he was also approved for a visit with a tailor. Lucci is clearly taking things seriously when it comes to looking his best for the upcoming trial. The case has major implications for him and crossover with the currently ongoing YSL trial where Young Thug remains a defendant.

YFN Lucci Granted Pre-Trial Clean-Up

News involving YFN Lucci’s trial has moved very slowly in the past few months. Most of the developments have come as a result of the YSL RICO case. Lyrics from Thug’s song “Bad Boy” were introduced in court with the prosecution claiming that they were in reference to violent acts involving Lucci. Thug’s defense had to do their best to recontextualize the connection between him and Lucci.

As part of their defense, Young Thug’s legal team claimed that Lucci attached himself to Thugger for clout. They proposed that the connection doesn’t go any deeper than an attempt on Lucci’s part to forward his rap career. It’s one of many clarifications they’ve had to make about lyrics from various Thug songs in the trial. What do you think of the judge in YFN Lucci’s case allowing him access to professional grooming and a tailor in advance of his trial? Let us know in the comment section below.

[Via]

The post YFN Lucci Will Be Able To Get A Haircut And New Clothes Before His Trial Begins appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Keefe D’s Bail Hearing Delayed

January 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Duane “Keefe D” Davis will have to wait another week to receive a ruling on his bail options after a judge in Nevada delayed his hearing on Tuesday. Judge Carli Kierny pushed the date back to January 9, arguing that Keefe D’s lawyers will need more time to respond to a recent filing by the prosecution.

His legal team has requested that bail be no higher than $100,000 and would prefer he be placed on house arrest while awaiting trial. They used his colon cancer as an example of health ailments that should factor into the decision. “Duane should not be denied bail in this case,” his lawyers argued. “It cannot be said that the proof is evident and the presumption great that Duane is guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Shakur. This Court should release Duane on house arrest with electronic monitoring pending trial.”

Keefe D Appears In Court For Arraignment

Duane “Keefe D” Davis, 60, arrives in a Las. Vegas court on October 19, 2023 for his arraignment on murder charges in the death of rapper Tupac Shakur. Shakur, 25, died on September 7, 1996, six days after being shot while in a car near the Las. Vegas Strip. (Photo by John Locher / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN LOCHER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

They continued: “He is not getting his bi-monthly oncologist check-ups. Additionally, his heart health has declined. He was put back on a group of medications to try to get things under control. He has to take these medications in jail because he is unable to do the things necessary to maintain proper health.”

Police arrested Keefe D for the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur back in September, believing that he orchestrated the attack. He’s since pleaded not guilty and his trial is scheduled to begin in June 2024. As of now, he’ll be staying at Clark County Detention Center. Be on the lookout for further updates on Keefe D’s trial as well as his bail hearing on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post Keefe D’s Bail Hearing Delayed appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Keefe D Seeks House Arrest While Awaiting Tupac Murder Trial

January 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Now that holiday festivities have wrapped for another year, we’re getting back into the swing of business as usual. Several high-profile legal cases are back in court today (January 2), from Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial resuming, to Keefe D’s latest hearing. The latter was arrested for his alleged part in Tupac’s untimely death in mid-2023 – decades after the crime originally took place. It was a major moment in hip-hop. Social media continues to debate whether or not the embattled gang member will be found guilty when his trial finally begins.

In late December, prosecutors shut down Duane Keith Davis’ request to get bail, describing him as “too dangerous” to be back outside. Despite this, the 60-year-old and his legal team remain confident that he at least deserves house arrest. As he’s back in court, Law & Crime‘s Cathy Russon is giving updates on the Las Vegas-based case via Twitter/X. “Defendant charged in the murder of 2Pac set to appear today,” she wrote early on Tuesday.

Keefe D Back in Court Today

Defendant charged in the murder of #2Pac set to appear in court today. Duane “Keffe D” Davis is expected to ask the judge to allow him to get out on house arrest pending trial. We’ll have the video of the appearance uploaded later today on our YouTube. pic.twitter.com/S3mbcUKfno

— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) January 2, 2024

“[Keefe D will likely] ask the judge to allow him to get out on house arrest pending trial,” she said. After spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the slammer, it’s likely that Davis is itching now more than ever to get back to the comforts of life before his arrest. L&C will share coverage on their YouTube channel this afternoon, and we’ll be back with any newsworthy updates here on HNHH too.

Some are sure that Keefe D is the culprit behind Tupac’s death – he’s been talking about it online for years, after all. However, the late lyricist’s biological father isn’t so sure of his guilt. In fact, Pac’s dad has even suggested that Keefe is a “pawn” that either Death Row or the government is using for their own benefit. Read more about those theories at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

[Via]

The post Keefe D Seeks House Arrest While Awaiting Tupac Murder Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Keefe D Says His Comments On 2Pac Are “Entertainment”

December 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Keefe D says that the various interviews he’s given over the years discussing the death of 2Pac were for “entertainment” and that he was operating under the assumption he had immunity. His legal team made the argument in a new court filing obtained by AllHipHop, ahead of his upcoming murder trial. Additionally, his legal team says the comments he made in the interviews are unverified.

His lawyers say prosecutors “did not introduce any independent evidence connecting Duane Davis to the shooting” and instead used Keefe D’s book, Compton Street Legend, as well as “an astounding amount of hearsay.”

Keefe D Appears In Court For Arraignment

Duane “Keefe D” Davis, 60, walks out after a court appearance in Las. Vegas on October 19, 2023 for his arraignment on murder charges in the death of rapper Tupac Shakur. Shakur, 25, died on September 7, 1996, six days after being shot while in a car near the Las. Vegas Strip. (Photo by John Locher / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN LOCHER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“The book and video interviews were produced for a financial benefit under the belief that Duane had immunity.” Keefe D’s attorneys continued. “The truthfulness of the content of the interviews was never verified. The book and interviews were done for entertainment purposes and to make money from a situation that Kading and others had already profited.” With their filing, the lawyers argue their client should be released prior to trial. They say he is “not a threat to the community,” nor “a flight risk.” He will even offer to wear an ankle bracelet.

Police first arrested Keefe D back in September and charged him with first-degree murder in the infamous 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. He spoke about the killing in numerous interviews over the last two decades, as recently as earlier this year with VladTV. His next court date is set for January 2, while his trial will begin in June. Be on the lookout for further updates on Keefe D’s case on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post Keefe D Says His Comments On 2Pac Are “Entertainment” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Vanilla Ice Recalls 2Pac Labeling Him “Great” & Admits He Knows “Too Much” About His Death

December 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Vanilla Ice says 2Pac once labeled him “one of the great ones” and that he knows “too much” about his killing. Speaking with VladTV for a new interview, the “Ice Ice Baby” rapper reflected on his friendship with 2Pac.

“He goes, ‘I want you to know, you’re one of the great ones, you’re dope, you’re going to leave your mark, your legacy,’ and this is before it happened,” Ice said. “He knew it, this guy had a crystal ball he saw things bro, and it makes me get goosebumps.”

Keefe D Appears In Court For Arraignment In 2Pac’s Murder

From there, Ice discussed other shootings that 2Pac was involved in prior to the fatal Las Vegas drive-by in 1996. “How can a guy have all these bullets flying at him and still, you know what I’m saying? It’s a cr*zy story, and I got to really watch what I say on all this because I do know too much,” Ice said. “I’m not going to elaborate fair enough, so I let that unfold, and I’m glad it’s unfolding, and I’m glad that some justice may be getting done, but it ain’t going to bring him back, bro, and we lost a great person because of greed, money, power. We lost a great poet.” Check out Vanilla Ice’s full comments on 2Pac below.

Vanilla Ice Discusses 2Pac

While it took over two decades, police finally arrested Keefe D in the killing of 2Pac, earlier this year. His trial is set to begin on June 3, 2024. Be on the lookout for further updates on Vanilla Ice as well as Keefe D’s upcoming trial on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post Vanilla Ice Recalls 2Pac Labeling Him “Great” & Admits He Knows “Too Much” About His Death appeared first on HotNewHipHop.