Travis Rudolph, who appeared in seven NFL games in 2017 was arrested on suspicion of murder in 2021. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder after a shooting at a residence in Lake Park, Florida. According to investigators, a group of individuals visited Rudolph to confront him about domestic violence allegations. In response, Rudolph allegedly opened fire on the group with an AR-15-style pistol. One person was killed and another was injured.
While Rudolph did not deny that he had opened fire on the group, his lawyers attempted to have the charges thrown out under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. However, the motion was denied and Rudolph was arraigned to face trial. During the trial, texts from Rudolph’s ex-girlfriend showed that she had asked her brother and his friends to “shoot up” Rudolph’s house.
Jury Finds Rudolph Not Guilty
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 26: New York Giants wide receiver Travis Rudolph (19) runs after the catch during the second quarter of the National Football League preseason game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets on August 26, 2017, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
On June 7, after a two-week trial, a jury found Travis Rudolph not guilty on all charges. Emotions were tense in the courtroom before the jury delivered their verdict. The family of Sebastian Jean Jacques, the man who died during the incident, declined to speak with the media. Meanwhile, Rudolph’s sister said “It means freedom. It means truth. God has set us free, and they have the truth now. The world has seen everything, and now it’s up to the jury to make the decision.”
During the trial, Rudolph testified that four men, Keishaun Jones, Tyler Robinson, Chris Lowe, and Sebastian Jean-Jacques, came over to his house on April 7, 2021 to physically hurt or kill him. Jones and Robinson had both received the text messages from Rudolph’s ex-girlfriend, who allegedly sought revenge for Rudolph’s alleged infidelity. Jones was the brother of the ex-girlfriend. As the decision was read, Rudolph was embraced by his family, finally free after over two years of dealing with this complex legal case. The jury returned a verdict after just two hours of deliberation. During the past two years, Rudolph had spent time in both jail and under house arrest. One of the first things to happen after the verdict was the removal of an ankle monitor.
A community in southeastern Louisiana is reeling after a night of shocking violence. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’’s Office has reported that a 26-year-old man has killed himself after a standoff with police. The man in question is reported as being Tommie Diamond, a native of the small town of Kentwood. Furthermore, Diamond reportedly shot himself inside a residence in the town, which is in the northeastern part of the parish, after hours of negotiation with law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office was attempting to arrest Diamond for the alleged murder of 18-year-old Calvin Felton, aka Highway Youngin.
Diamond reportedly shot and killed Felton at a residence in the village of Tangipahoa on May 28. Additionally, Chief Jimmy Travis told reporters that Diamond had been located by a family member at the Kentwood residence at around 11:30pm on June 1. Law enforcement converged on the scene and began to negotiate with Diamond. However, negotiations proved unsuccessful and Diamond died via a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 14: JayDaYoungan (L) and Saweetie attend The Fader Fort 2018 – Day 1 on March 14, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Authorities in Louisiana report that Diamond was out on bond for a second-degree murder charge. Diamond was one of seven men charged in the Roseland Trail Ride shooting of August 2020. According to law enforcement, the men fired into the crowd at a birthday party, hitting a number of the 100 or more assembled party-goers. Furthermore, a 21-year-old woman from Baton Rogue was killed during the incident.
Additionally, aside from Diamond, one of the other men charged with the shooting was Javoris Scott, aka JayDaYoungan. Scott was known as an up-and-coming rapper in the area. His best-known track is “23 Island”, which went two times platinum and peaked at #17 on the Billboard Bubbling Under 100. Furthermore, or his role in the 2020 shooting, Scott was charged with accessory to second-degree murder and obstruction of justice for his role in the incident. However, Scott was shot and killed in July 2022. It is unclear when the remaining defendants will face trial for their charges. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here on HotNewHipHop.
Young Dolph’s life was tragically taken far too soon a year and a half ago now. Still, his family awaits justice via the legal system. In late April, one of the suspects, Hernandez Govan, made headlines after appearing in court without his lawyer. It was previously reported that after nearly half a year of working with his client, William Massey could no longer represent Govan. “Some sort of conflict [has] arisen. I don’t know the nature of it,” the presiding judge explained at the time.
Ultimately, attorney Handel Durham Jr. was appointed to Young Dolph’s alleged killer’s case. So far, the two seem to be working very well together. On Thursday (May 11), FOX13 Memphis reporter Jeremy Pierre revealed via Twitter that Govan has been given a surprisingly low bond of $90K after months of waiting behind bars. “Hernandez Govan charged with the first-degree murder of Young Dolph,” the post reminded users. “He’s also charged with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of [the rapper].”
Judge Sets Hernandez Govan’s Bond in First-Degree Murder Case
BOND SET FOR HERNANDEZ GOVAN $90k: Hernandez Govan charged with the first-degree murder of Young Dolph. He’s also charged with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Young Dolph. pic.twitter.com/UInjWd3HOT
— Jeremy Pierre FOX13 (@JeremypierreFOX) May 11, 2023
Following the news breaking earlier this morning, various blogs have reposted it, only to see upset reactions pouring in non-stop. “Should be no bond,” one person argued in @theshaderoom’s comments. “BOND! Bruh, they ’bout to turn UP in the city,” another user suggested, hinting at potential chaos unravelling in Memphis as a result of the ruling. “Mind y’all he really only need $9,000 to bond out… Crazy,” a third comment reminds readers, pointing out just how simple it’ll be for Govan to walk free as he awaits trial.
Dolph lost his life on November 17, 2021 during a targeted shooting at a cookie shop in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. An autopsy later revealed that he received 22 gunshot wounds, some of which hit his forehead and back. Five men (including Govan) have been accused of his murder, the others are Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith, Jemarcus Johnson, and Shundale Barnett. Are you surprised by the news of Hernandez Govan’s low bond? Let us know in the comments below, and tap back in with HNHH later for any updates on Young Dolph’s murder trial. RIP.
On February 19th, 2020, Bashar Barakah Jackson, a.k.a Pop Smoke, a rising star in Brooklyn’s drill music scene, died via a gunshot wound. The murder occurred during a home invasion at a Los Angeles rental house. He was only 20 years old.
Prior to his death, Pop Smoke had released his second compilation album, Meet the Woo 2. This album debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200, marking his first top-10 hit in the US.
What We Know About Pop Smoke’s Murder
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Pop Smoke performs at the Soulfrito Music Festival at Barclays Center on August 30, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Arik Mazur/Getty Images)
According to prosecutors, on the day of Pop Smoke’s murder, Corey Walker and four others arrived at the house just after 4 a.m. When they got there, their goal was to locate luxury goods including a diamond-encrusted watch that Pop Smoke had flaunted on his social media pages. Allegedly, four of the five individuals entered the residence.
On July 9, 2020, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that they had apprehended five people in connection to the killing of Pop Smoke. Shortly after, prosecutors revealed that four of those suspects faced charges with the slaying. Corey Walker, who was 19 years old at the time, Keandre Rodgers, who was 18, and two minors, whose identities remain undisclosed due to their age, were among those charged. The police did not charge the fifth person taken into custody.
The Alleged Shooter Was Only 15 Years Old
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 16: Pop Smoke is wearing a Louis Vuitton look before the Louis Vuitton AW20 Men Show on January 16, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Police Department detective Carlos Camacho stated, as reported by the New York Daily News that the 15-year-old suspect delivered the fatal shot. Camacho further alleged that Walker confessed to having requested the rapper’s gold chain and watch before engaging in a confrontation with him.
According to prosecutors, the masked assailants confronted Pop Smoke in his upstairs bedroom while he took a shower. The 15-year-old suspect shot him after a struggle and allegedly kicked him as the rapper was on the floor. The robbers allegedly expressed gratitude when they believed Pop Smoke would comply, but he ultimately fought back. As a result, the robbers pistol-whipped him, and the 15-year-old fired, striking Pop Smoke in the chest. The source of these details was reportedly a recorded conversation with an alleged informant in May 2020.
Walker’s Alleged Confession
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Pop Smoke performs at Olympia London on November 29, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)
According to a report by The New York Daily News, Walker admitted his involvement in Pop Smoke’s death in a secret conversation with an informant in his jail cell. Despite pleading not guilty, Walker supposedly revealed that he and his accomplices wore ski masks and gloves.
They also utilized a police scanner to avoid detection during their robbery attempt. Law enforcement officials testified that all four suspects became aware of Pop Smoke’s location through his Instagram posts. Detective Frank Flores of the Los Angeles Police Department testified that surveillance footage shows Walker’s connection to Pop Smoke’s murder.
According to The New York Daily News, the video showed an Infinity vehicle transporting the suspects to the location of the crime. The license plate number belongs to Walker. The newspaper also reported that Walker was in the same vehicle at another time when police stopped it for an unrelated matter before the murder.
Walker’s Lawyer Files For Dismissal
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 06: Pop Smoke performs at the Pop Smoke Listening Party at Villain on February 06, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
In October 2021, Walker, who was 20 years old, appeared in a Los Angeles court while his defense lawyer, Christopher Darden. They submitted a motion to dismiss his charges of murder and robbery. Darden argued that Walker had explicitly expressed his disapproval of violence before the murder.
A filing submitted by Darden argued that Walker did not enter the house. It states that he was not armed and did not share the intent to murder. Darden stated that his client was only the driver of the vehicle and remained outside. Walker claimed that he knew that they brought a weapon but made it clear that it should not be used. Instead, he suggested using a flower vase if necessary. After the robbers exited the house, Walker learned of the shooting and subsequently assaulted the shooter.
Corey Walker, who is now 21 years old, was scheduled to begin trial on October 13, 2022, in a Los Angeles court. However, his defense attorney requested a postponement. The Superior Court Judge, Curtis B. Rappe, granted the request.. Walker will face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged. District Attorney’s office announced they would not seek the death penalty.
Suspect Pleads Guilty To Voluntary Manslaughter In Pop Smoke Murder
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Rapper Pop Smoke performs onstage during day 2 of the Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
One of four men charged with murder pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in April 2023. The individual was 17 years old at the time of the crime and also entered a guilty plea for home invasion robbery. As a result, the judge sentenced K to spend four years and two months in a juvenile facility. According to The Los Angeles Times, he did not receive any credit for time served at a juvenile detention center. A pretrial hearing begins on May 5 for the remaining defendants in the Pop Smoke murder.
The death of Pop Smoke left a hole in the rap game, especially at a time when New York was reclaiming its sound. The rapper was shot and killed in the Hollywood Hills during a botched home invasion. Though there have been a number of conspiracy theories surrounding his death, police eventually apprehended three individuals they believe broke into the mansion on Feb. 19th, 2020, and murdered the rapper.
According to Associated Press, one of the individuals connected to the Brooklyn rapper’s death has pleaded guilty. The 20-year-old, who was 17 at the time of the murder, copped to one count of involuntary manslaughter on Thursday. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to another count of home invasion robbery. As part of the guilty plea, he received a sentence of four years and two months in a juvenile facility. Since he was a minor at the time of the shooting, the judge put a publication ban on his name.
One Man Pleads Guilty In Pop Smoke Murder Trial
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 31: Pop Smoke attends Lil Uzi Vert’s 25th Birthday at Moxy Hotel on July 31, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Throughout the investigation, detectives and prosecutors said that the three individuals located Pop Smoke’s mansion after he posted a picture of a gift bag with the address a day prior. The three individuals broke into the mansion where they found Pop Smoke in the shower. A struggle between Pop and one of the individuals broke out, leading to one of the attackers, who was 15 at the time, shooting the rapper in the back three times. The men left with diamond-encrusted Rolex and $2000 in cash.
Since Pop Smoke’s passing, his estate and friends have kept his name alive. A few months after his passing, 50 Cent, and Steven Victory released Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon, which boasted a star-studded tracklist including Quavo, Lil Baby, Future, Roddy Ricch, Fivio Foreign, Karol G, and more. A year later, they released Faith, which also included a number of heavy-hitter features. However, there hasn’t been anything in recent times indicating that another posthumous album is in the pipeline. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates on the murder trial surrounding Pop Smoke’s death.
Following years of litigation, justice is served in XXXTentacion’s murder case. The rapper was at a motorbike shop in Florida in the summer of 2018 when he was accosted. XXXTentacion, real name Jahseh Onfroy, was in his vehicle leaving the establishment’s parking lot when an SUV blocked his entrance. The thieves reportedly intended to only rob people around town, and when they spotted the rapper, they thought they scored big. However, the botched robbery turned deadly within seconds, and at 20 years old, Onfroy was dead.
The trial has been a strange process where rappers found their names entangled in controversy. However, it’s come to an end, for now, after three of the four suspects were found guilty of the crime. Dedrick Williams, 26, Trayvon Newsome, 24, and Michael Boatwright, 28, will soon be sentenced for first-degree murder. A fourth suspect, Robert Allen, turned State’s witness and testified against his co-conspirators. The three found guilty today (March 20) face life sentences. Prosecutors decided against seeking the death penalty.
XXXTentacion’s Rap Beefs Brought Up In Court
Hip Hop fans know that “beefs” within the genre make for huge moments for artists, but they don’t often become focal points in murder cases. Although Robert Allen clearly stated on the stand that he and his former friends pulled off the deadly scheme, defense attorneys attempted to paint him as an unreliable witness. Additionally, XXXTentacion’s tension with his Rap peers also stole attention, including his rift with Drake. The OVO mogul’s name was repeatedly mentioned during the weeks-long trial, and the defense even tried to depose him. Drake was able to dodge involvement and allegations of setting up a hit on the late rapper. 600 Breezy’s name was also mentioned, but he was not asked to appear at the trial. Allen was questioned if he and the other suspects had any affiliation with Drake, and he denied knowing the hitmaker.
From the trial’s onset, prosecutors seemingly believed a guilty verdict was the expected outcome. Following the crime, the suspects reportedly made off with $50,000 in cash—which they split unevenly with Allen, who testified he didn’t exit the SUV when the murder was committed. Further, photos were introduced during the trial that showed the suspects flashing the cash and celebrating after XXXTentacion was killed. Surveillance video and cell phone data also placed the suspects at the crime scene. A sentencing hearing date has not yet been shared, but we will keep you updated as more information is released. Watch a portion of Robert Allen’s testimony above.
Several news reports have confirmed that Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave testified in incarcerated podcaster Taxstone’s murder trial, giving his testimony of what happened between the two Hip Hop personalities on that fateful night in 2016 following the shooting death of Troy Ave’s bodyguard.
Troy Ave, real name Roland Collins, told jurors on Monday that he would rather “die fighting” as his justification for fighting Taxstone, whose real name is Daryl Campbell,According to this after being shot backstage at Irving Plaza.
“If it’s fight or flight I’m always going to fight because at that point you could die,” Collins said. “It looks like if you see people wrestle in high school wrestling — that type of position.”
“When the shot goes off I see the light from the spark and I hear the shot,” he testified. “This is all happening fast. I get up and start fighting Taxstone, trying to take him, grab the gun, and another shot goes off. I put my leg up to kind of block the shot from hitting me in the face or chest.”
According to his testimony, Campbell then shot him in the legs. “I got up,” Collins said. “I’d rather die fighting. People die from leg shots. I’d rather die fighting than laying on the ground. I got up immediately.” As he described the chaotic scene, Collins said he saw his friend and bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter was laying on the floor face down. “I rolled his body over and I’m like, ‘Banga, get up. Come on.’ I’m smacking him, like, ‘C’mon bro. Get up,’” Collins testified. “And his eyes were rolling to the back of his head. His shirt was red so I could tell he got shot.”
Taxstone is currently on trial on murder, attempted murder, assault and weapons possession charges. He faces at least 20 years behind bars if convicted of these charges. TheSource.com will update this story as details develop.
The XXXTENTACION murder trial is underway, and it certainly hasn’t gone without a few hiccups. The defense and prosecution have laid their arguments that have undoubtedly revealed new information surrounding the rapper’s death. Witnesses took to the stand, like XXXTENTACION’s uncle, the fan who took a photo of X after he was shot, and the ex-girlfriend of defendant Dedrick Williams. Then, there was the whole circus surrounding Drake and 600Breezy that the judge was ultimately fed up with. That aspect of the case undoubtedly caught everyone’s attention.
The prosecutors and defense will soon share their closing arguments in the case before a jury decides the fate of the three individuals on trial. Though it seems like they will be convicted for XXXTENTACION’s death, the defense continues to put up a fight against the prosecutor’s argument. Still, between the state’s star witness, Robert Allen who copped a plea deal in the case, and recently referring to the alleged culprits as “predators,” the prosecutors have shown confidence in their case. By the end of the week, the jury will be in deliberation to decide the outcome of the trial as fans hope for justice for the late rapper.
“Happy” Defendants Allegedly Danced After XXXTENTACION’s Murder
MIAMI BEACH, FL – OCTOBER 06: Rapper XXXTentacion attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2017 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater on October 6, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET )
Broward County Assistant State Attorney Pascale Achille shared some damning evidence on Tuesday. Achille shared a video that showed the defendants, Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, and Dedrick Williams, “happy” following the shooting death of X. Achille said they took the video within a day of robbing X of $50K in cash outside of Riva Motorsports shop in Broward County.
“This is who they are. This is their real character. Killers that within 24 hours after shooting the victim dead and stealing $50,000 from him, this is what they do,” Achille said to the jury as the video played. “Look at how happy they look. Look at how excited they look.” The incriminating evidence will undoubtedly play a role in the jury’s decision. If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in prison. We will continue to keep you up to date on any more information regarding the case.
As much as Kay Flock has ascended from the New York drill underground in the last year or so, he has also been bogged down by the justice system. While still awaiting trial for a murder case, Flock has now been indicted for racketeering charges, according to TMZ. On Thursday (Feb. 23), the 19-year-old was indicted by a federal grand jury for helping run the Sev Side/D.O.A. gang, TMZ says. Ironically, this come just a few months after Kay Flock put out his December album The D.O.A. Tape (Care Package). The LP includes features from frequent collaborator Dougie B, as well as G Herbo, Fivio Foreign, Gucci Mane, and more. Additionally, the tape features his single “Shake It” with Cardi B, Dougie B, and Bory300. “Shake It” played a huge part in uplifting the NY drill scene in 2021, and peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.
However, in Dec. 2021, eight months after the release of “Shake It,” Kay Flock ran into trouble. On Dec. 23, he was arrested for his involvement in the Dec. 16 death of 24-year-old Oscar Hernandez. According to police, the incident started at a barber shop. Flock and Hernandez had issues prior, and the argument escalated to a shooting, police said. Subsequently, Flock enlisted the help of Jeffrey Lichtman, the former lawyer of Mexican cartel leader El Chapo. Flock is currently in jail awaiting trial for this murder charge, so another RICO case added on top of that must be hard to stomach.
Kay Flock’s Situation
Kay Flock’s legal problems continue to pile up while he awaits trial on murder charges … the Bronx drill rapper was just indicted by a federal grand jury for a slew of racketeering conspiracy charges. https://t.co/rMLmjdxsUH
Feds just unsealed an indictment on Kay Flock for a RICO charge & murder. The mandatory minimum if he doesn’t beat those charges or snitch is Life in Prison.
He still is facing state charges of Murder that has him locked up.
The aforementioned racketeering charge Kay Flock was just it with allegedly carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life or death penalty, according to Akademiks. According to TMZ, Flock and five other members of Sev Side/D.O.A will all have to face trial for the RICO indictment. The federal grand jury stated that Sev Side/D.O.A’s “primary purpose was to commit robberies, acts of violence and financial fraud in their Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx,” TMZ says. So, it appears that Kay Flock may need to lawyer up a bit more.
The most recent development in the Kay Flock murder case, however, came from his lawyer in July. Lichtman stated at the time that Flock acted in self-defense, and that their claim can be backed up with video evidence. Lichtman also vowed to stay in Flock’s corner and continue to fight for his innocence. That may be tougher now, though, considering the murder charge is now coupled with this new RICO case. Stay tuned in to HNHH for more updates regarding Kay Flock as they come in.
After countless delays, Taxstone’s murder trial is finally underway. Daryl Campbell, known professionally as Taxstone, was caught in a shootout during a T.I. concert in New York City. Shots were fired at the venue, Irving Plaza, after the former rapper drew beef with Roland “Troy Ave” Collins. As a result, Troy Ave’s bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter was killed. While Taxstone has already pleaded guilty to gun possession, sentencing will be decided after the murder trial, according to HipHopDX.
Six years after his initial arrest, Taxstone takes to the courts again. The state has two cooperating witnesses with close ties to the case: Troy Ave and Malcolm Kinyon. The former is also charged with his connection to the murder and weapon possession, however, he signed a cooperation agreement with the Manhattan District’s Attorney Office. Kinyon, on the other hand, had no direct correlation to the murder scene. But Taxstone allegedly had confided to Kinyon after the incident. Kinyon is also under fire with the law with hefty drug and firearm trafficking charges.
Last month, Troy Ave sat down with My Expert Opinion podcast host Math Hoffa to reflect on the ordeal. Despite his charges, Troy remains his story of acting in self-defense. CCTV footage reveals Troy firing a firearm, but according to Troy, that’s not the full story. He explained to Hoffa, “I mean you see a lot of n*ggas running, ducking for cover, and you know n*ggas that’s supposed to be standing around n*ggas they folded, I stood tall. It’s like you come in here you bought to do work, and before you walk in the door there’s a hater there blocking your way, and the hater killed your friend and tried to kill you, and everything is self-defense.”
Troy Ave continues to defend himself by revealing how his fight-or-flight spirit kicked in when he was threatened by a gun. He describes, “I’m not running… bullets in me. I’m gonna take the gun, I’m gonna beat you n*gga and I’m gonna blow at you, but what the media shows is me shooting.” Troy also recalls the moments when his bodyguard went down, “I really picked up my man body, n*gga. Like, I picked him up. All these n*ggas that was there… Maino was there, any n*gga there, they didn’t help me pick up Banga’s body, they walked past.” For the latest details on the Taxstone murder trial, be sure to check out HNHH!
