murder trial Archives - Page 5 of 11

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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YNW Melly‘s Mom Reacts To Trial Date Delay: “I’m Sorry, Kid”

November 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly‘s mother, Jamie King, has responded to the news that her son’s murder retrial has been pushed back on her Instagram Story, Tuesday. Judge John Murphy ruled, earlier this week, that the rapper will not stand trial in the case again until February. He cited “extraordinary circumstances” in handing down the decision.

“I’m sorry, kid [teary-eyed emoji][broken heart emoji],” she captioned one photo of the headlines. In another post, she elaborated: “Lawsuits, lies, delayed trials, overdue bill, seeing death everyday at work but have no choice but to work. Broken heart, sadness, stress, tears, fears, 5 years.”

YNW Melly’s Trial Pushed Back

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – FEBRUARY 13: In this handout photo provided by the Broward’s Sheriff’s Office, rapper Y.N.W. Melly’s seen after being charged with two counts of murder in the first degree February 13, 2019, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Demons allegedly conspired with Cortlen Henry to fatally shot two other Florida based rappers, Christopher. Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams, October 26. (Photo by Broward’s Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

The trial delay comes following the defense’s recent request to start the jury selection process over again. They had made an error they made while presenting instructions to the group. After accidentally telling them they needed to find the rapper guilty of everything of which he’s accused to proceed with a guilty verdict, they argued that the misstep would cause them to lose “all credibility with the jurors should the court read that instruction.”

YNW Melly’s Mom Reacts To Trial Date

YNW Melly’s mother reacts to double murder retrial being delayed to 2024 pic.twitter.com/9JdgjTjyY5

— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) November 15, 2023

The state disagreed with the defense’s motion. “While the state understands the court acting in an abundance of caution, objections being sustained and jury instructions being read by the court to rectify the misstatement of law should not rise to the level of starting over,” prosecutors argued. “All of this time being spent on jurors that have now been struck could have gone to time both sides clearly need to further prepare for the trial. The state does not want this to become a pattern where with each objection made, another group of jurors is struck.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Melly’s upcoming trial on HotNewHipHop. He will now stand trial on February 5, 2024.

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YNW Melly’s Murder Retrial Delayed Once Again

November 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly’s murder retrial has been pushed back to February 5, 2024. According to Law & Crime, Judge John Murphy made the decision earlier this week after prosecutors requested a delay. In doing so, he cited “extraordinary circumstances” warranting the extension. The trial was originally set to begin a month earlier.

Melly’s mother reacted to the news in a post on social media, Monday. “Lawsuits, lies, delayed trials, overdue bill, seeing death everyday at work but have no choice but to work,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “Broken heart, sadness, stress, tears, fears, 5 years.”

YNW Melly Booked In Florida

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – FEBRUARY 13: In this handout photo provided by the Broward’s Sheriff’s Office, rapper YNW Melly, real name Jamell Demons, is seen in a police booking photo after being charged with two counts of murder in the first degree February 13, 2019 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Demons allegedly conspired with Cortlen Henry to fatally shot two other Florida based rappers, Christopher Thomas Jr and Anthony Williams, October 26. (Photo by Broward’s Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

The prosecution requested a delay in the trial’s start date, earlier this month, citing several reasons. “Throughout the defendant’s 20+ pleadings and in court hearings, the defendant complains of the number of witnesses that must be deposed as well as the many motions that must be heard,” prosecutors wrote in one motion. “The defendant complains that the state has filed motions after the court’s discovery cut off, yet the defendant himself has also filed motions after this date. Several of the state’s motions are a result of the defendant’s new criminal activity.” They added: “It is abundantly evident that the defendant is not ready for trial.”

Another primary reason for the delay is the jury selection. Due to an error on the part of the defense, the process needed to be restarted, last week. Melly’s team had incorrectly instructed the jury that they needed to find the rapper guilty of everything of which he’s accused to proceed with a guilty verdict, which isn’t the case. Be on the lookout for further updates on Melly’s upcoming trial on HotNewHipHop.

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Young Dolph’s Murder Trial’s Judge Removed, Will Get Replacement: Report

October 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The murder trial of Young Dolph was already a complicated and arduously lengthy affair, but things just got another twist. Moreover, the Court of Criminal Appeals removed Judge Lee Coffee from the case, according to AllHipHop, who presided over the case up until this point. For those unaware, four individuals currently face charges for the 2021 murder of the Memphis rapper at his favorite bakery, Makeda’s Homemade Cookies. Specifically, Coffee’s recusal reportedly stems from his alleged mistreatment of one of the defendants, Justin Johnson. Also known by his rap name Straight Drop, he released the track “No Statements” from behind bars last year on YouTube.

Furthermore, Judge Lee Coffee apparently got in touch with the chief jailer and demanded that Young Dolph’s accused killer move to administrative isolation. He made this request despite conclusions from prison authorities that this release did not break any regulations. Afterwards, Johnson’s lawyers requested Coffee’s removal, which the judge obviously dismissed but could not prevent form moving to a successful appeal. As such, the Court of Criminal Appeals stated that “it would appear to a reasonable person that Judge Coffee has a prejudice of a personal character directed at the defendant.”

The Song That Got Young Dolph’s Murder Trial’s Judge Mad- And In Trouble

Their ruling severed Coffee from the Young Dolph case, responding directly to previously overlooked power imbalances and a lack of impartiality. This means that this trial needs a new judge, which will likely enter the case within due time. Hopefully it’s quickly, as this process could delay an already years-long case with more roadblocks in its way that don’t relate to this. While the defendants could face a better chance with another authority at the head, the opposite is equally possible, and justice could come more effectively now.

Meanwhile, this comes as folks continue to celebrate Dolph’s legacy, impact, and reverence within his community and the representation of Memphis rap across the whole genre. Even though it’s unclear what implications this judge swap will yield for the case, fans are holding out hope that this is the light at the end of the tunnel. Until we fully emerge on the other side, though, anything could happen. For more news and the latest updates on Young Dolph, log back into HNHH.

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Takeoff’s Alleged Killer Is Reportedly Looking To Claim “Self-Defense” In Murder Trial

October 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Takeoff tragically passed away around this time last year in what can only be described as a horrific incident. Overall, the artist was with Quavo and some friends at the time. They were all at a bowling alley when a fight broke out. Subsequently, shots rang off and Take was fatally injured. Since that time, many have mourned his passing. In fact, Quavo delivered a new album called “Rocket Power” which was an homage to the late rapper.

Yesterday, according to Rolling Stone, his alleged killer, Patrick Xavier Clark, was in court. Based on the report, it is clear that Clark is looking to maintain his innocence here. However, he may have to wait until the second half of 2024 for the trial to officially begin. As for his lawyer Letitia Quinones-Hollins, she is claiming that the whole thing can be chalked up to “self-defense.” When it comes down to it, that will likely be their position in the trial.

Patrick Xavier Clark Goes To Court

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Takeoff of Migos performs onstage during Global Citizen Live on September 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

“He maintains his innocence,” She said. “We do believe that he has a valid self-defense claim. I don’t think they can say with any degree of certainty that it was Patrick who actually fired the shot that took TakeOff’s life. There was someone else who started the shooting, it was not Patrick Clark. He was in the same position that TakeOff was in, he was trying to get out of there alive as well. He didn’t have anything to do with the argument that occurred. [Clark] just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when people started firing weapons.”

This is a developing story, so sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates. We will always seek to keep you informed. Additionally, let us know your thoughts on the situation, in the comments section below.

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Jam Master Jay’s Murder Trial Could Have Two Separate Juries

October 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Justice has been a long time coming for rap legend Jam Master Jay. The Run-DMC member was tragically murdered in a New York recording studio all the way back in 2002. Now, prosecution of his alleged killers is finally being pursued. The three defendants Karl Jordan Jr, Ronald Washington, and Jay Bryant are all set to go on trial for the murder. It’s unclear at the time who was responsible for the actual shooting. But prosecutors hope that witness testimony will help clarify the events.

Earlier this month, the judge approved a motion filed by Bryant to be tried separately from the other two defendants. Subsequently, according to AllHipHop, the prosecution is making a strange request that could complicate things. Consequently, they’re calling for a joint trial with all the defendants and two separate juries.

Jam Master Jay’s Alleged Killers Facing Prosecution

NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15: Hip Hop artist Jam Master Jay (Jason William Mizell; 1965 -2002; center in white) of Run DMC and friends pose for a photo at a party for the release of Run DMC’s album “Tougher Than Leather” on September 15, 1988 at the Palladium night club in New York City, New York. (Photo by Catherine McGann/Getty Images)

The move would help potentially streamline examination of the dozens of witnesses who are expected to be called. People attesting to the events on the night of the murder will be called. As will those speaking on comments made by the defendants afterward. It’s all in an attempt to gain clarity on the entire scope of the events.

One of the biggest points of contention in the trial is Bryant’s involvement in the actual killing. There are reportedly witnesses who will testify that he confessed to them after the fact that he was the trigger man. But eye-witness reports from inside the studio claim that it was his two accomplices who actually did the killing. What do you think of the prosecution asking for two juries in the trial of Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers? Let us know in the comment section below.

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