xxxtentacion murder case

XXXTentacion Killers Hit With Life In Prison

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The music world was rocked when controversial rapper XXXTentacion was shot and killed at a Florida motorcycle dealership in 2018. Viral footage showed his exit blocked by an SUV and a fatal confrontation with three men. However, regardless of how you felt about XXXTentacion, the death of a young and vibrant musician was an undeniable tragedy. Despite it being nearly five years since his death, the case has remained painfully relevant.

His alleged killers only faced trial two months ago. Despite being arrested in late 2018, Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, and Dedrick Williams faced trial in February 2023. They were charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. According to the prosecution, the three men tracked and deliberately targeted XXXTentacion before confronting and killing him as he left RIVA Motorsports in Deerfield Beach. The three men were also accused of stealing $50,000 and a Louis Vuitton bag. The trial featured testimony from Tentacion’s uncle, Leonard Kerr, who was with him at the dealership. It also heard from Robert Allen, a fourth defendant who had pled guilty to a lesser charge. The court also heard a wave of other damning testimony. Boatwright, Newsome, and Williams were found guilty on all counts on March 20. It took the jury eight days to decide a verdict.

Life Sentences For Murder Of XXXTentacion

Two and a half weeks after being found guilty, XXXTentacion’s killers returned to court to receive their sentence. First reported by TMZ, the judge passed down a life sentence to the three men. However, the sentencing was a mere formality. In the state of Florida, the men would face mandatory life sentences if found guilty. There was no surprise and change to that as the judge handed down the sentences. Allen, who pled guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for his testimony, will be sentenced at a later date.

However, the sentencing of Boatwright, Newsome, and Williams brings to a close a five-year saga. It is the end of an ordeal for the family, friends, and fans of the late rapper. With his killers now set to spend the rest of their lives behind bars, people associated with XXXTentacion can now truly begin to heal. They can begin to move on, knowing that justice has been served.

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XXXTENTACION Killers Guilty: Twitter Reacts

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The court found the three codefendants accused of murdering XXXTENTACION to be guilty of first-degree murder. Moreover, on Monday (March 20), the month-long trial concluded upon the decision of a South Florida jury. Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams and Trayvon Newsome also faced a guilty conviction for charges of armed robbery with a firearm. Afterwards, sheriff’s deputies immediately handcuffed them in the courtroom. Each of the three perpetrators now face mandatory life sentences, although an official sentencing hearing will take place on a later date. Given X’s massive reach and the highly publicized legacy of his life and death, it’s been a long road to get to this point, five years after his death.

However, another codefendant, Robert Allen, actually became a state’s witness against his co-perpetrators in August of 2022. During their trial, he testified against the three accused men and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Said confessions gave the court more context as to what the motivations and dynamic of the murder were. Also, they debunked theories that other rappers like Drake actually instigated the murder or were part of a planned-out hit.

XXXTENTACION Killers Found Guilty

Still, Allen’s fate is unclear at the moment regarding his sentence, although that could soon come to light. Unsurprisingly, many reacted positively to the verdict, whether with jubilance or with resigned sadness. While it’s fulfilling and satisfying to see justice served, it’s not exactly the most celebratory of occasions. After all, X’s years-long absence will always be felt more powerfully than his killers’ incarceration. Even considering that these men will remain behind bars for life doesn’t get at the massive crisis that rappers face today, as they’re targeted for their image, wealth, possessions, and to make a headline.

Since X’s death, far too many rappers were lost at the hands of those wanting to steal their success. The three guilty men in this trial later flaunted their money and appeared quite pleased with themselves in released footage to the court. As many fans, loved ones, and regular people react to the verdict, many also acknowledge that the real work to help protect hip-hop is still yet to be done. Regardless, check out reactions below and return to HNHH for the latest updates on this story.

Twitter Reacts To Verdict

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XXXTENTACION’s Family In Court Awaiting Verdict

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XXXTENTACION’s family attended court today (March 13) to await the verdict in the trial concerning his murder. Moreover, closing arguments began recently and it seems like the case is almost coming to a close after some more deliberation. While it’s unclear who exactly is present at court itself, surely many loved ones, whether close to X or just his fans, are waiting with similarly heavy hearts. Furthermore, this trial is starting to wrap up almost five full years after the Florida rapper passed away following an armed robbery outside a motorcycle shop. In the years since his passing, the pain of his loss hasn’t hampered his enduring legacy.

However, an update on the verdict should come sooner rather than later, given that jury deliberation began on Wednesday (March 8). Not only that, but the jury have reportedly deliberated for over 12 hours at this point over the fatal case. In fact, the jury asked the judge to show jurors text message evidence from the suspects’ phones. Specifically, their request relates to codefendants Michael Boatwright and Dedrick Williams. Jurors asked that they review texts, photos, videos, and screenshots shared between the day before the murder and the day of the murder.

XXXTENTACION Verdict Soon To Come, Family Awaits It At Court

Tragically, some of the “Look At Me!” rapper’s family, such as uncle Leonard Kerr, are all too familiar with his death. Kerr was actually with X at the time of the robbery. “We get in the car to drive out,” he recounted on the witness stand. “At the exit, when we pull out, we stop. [XXXTENTACION] looked to the left. I looked to the right. By the time [XXXTENTACION] looked to the left, I see a car coming down the block and blocked the entrance. After the car pulled by the entrance, two persons jump out the side doors. One come on Jahseh side, one come on the side that I’m on.” Later, he went on to describe how the suspects robbed him, he fled, heard gunshots behind him, and called X’s mother after he returned to the scene and found him unresponsive.

Meanwhile, the most recent development before jury deliberation was a newly shared video of the codefendants celebrating after their crimes. Moreover, the suspects allegedly celebrated with the cash that they took from X before taking his life. While this case is nothing if not marred in tragedy and callous cruelty, at least justice might be served soon. Considering that, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on the XXXTENTACION murder trial.

XXXTENTACION Trial Update: Jurors Want To Review Suspects’ Text Messages

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As the world awaits the verdict on the XXXTENTACION murder trial, jurors want to review the defendants’ text messages. Moreover, these updates relate to codefendants Michael Boatwright and Dedrick Williams, as the jury wants to review their communication. However, it’s important to consider that the jury went out for deliberation on Wednesday (March 8) and have deliberated for over 12 hours, though it’s unclear if that time refers to today (March 13) or overall. Still, jurors want to see their text communications as well as videos, photos, or screenshots from the day before the murder to the day of the murder.

Moreover, this trial faced an exhausting and painstaking process, causing many to reflect on the five years that have passed since X’s loss. For example, the defense team tried very hard to get Drake involved in this case, as they claimed he orchestrated the whole ordeal. After significant pushback from both the court of law and the court of public opinion, officials dismissed said motions. However, it remains a permeating and odd conspiracy online, as some subliminal bars are scarily coincidental.

XXXTENTACION Trial Jurors Want Text Message Evidence Shown To Jury

Regardless, the trial underwent some big changes from its inception. Another big development across the case was one of the four original codefendants becoming a state’s witness. Also, DNA evidence points to another person entirely being responsible for the murder outside of a motorcycle shop in Florida. At least, that’s what the defendants’ attorneys claim in an effort to prove their clients’ innocence. “Whoever [XXXTENTACION] struggled with is not in this courtroom,” he told officials. “The DNA proves that someone not named Michael Boatwright or Trayvon Newsome participated in this murder.”

Meanwhile, the court clarified that while the three codefendants on trial are tried together, their convictions are separate. As such, perhaps they (including defendant Trayvon Newsome) won’t all be convicted. However, they could all face upwards of life in prison, with the possibility of changes, reversals, or reductions looking slim. Overall, there’s not much else left in this case but to await their fate. With that in mind, stay logged into HNHH for the latest updates on the XXXTENTACION murder trial and jury.

XXXTENTACION Trial: Judge Ethers Defense Attorney Trying To Involve 600Breezy To Link Case To Drake

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The judge in the XXXTENTACION murder case recently shut down defense attorney Mauricio Padilla for trying to involve 600Breezy. Moreover, his efforts were made to connect Drake to the murder of the Florida rapper. While the judge already ruled that the Canadian artist did not have to sit for a deposition in the trial, Padilla continued fighting. Furthermore, he represents defendant Dedrick Williams and alleged that Breezy flew to Florida on Drake’s orders to find X. Throughout the last few weeks of the trial, defense lawyers hammered on the 6 God being the main instigator, not their clients.

“Antonio King, 600Breezy, did in fact fly to South Florida,” Padilla claimed. “[He] did in fact post video of himself threatening to be armed and threatening the deceased prior to his death.” Before he could go on, the judge interrupted him. “No. Counsel, then subpoena 600Breezy. What does that have to do with someone else who you have no evidence of being involved other than hearsay and innuendo? You are now trying to just drag somebody in who’s a celebrity, who does not want to be associated with this. And to harm that individual is not inconsequential,” the judge remarked.

XXXTENTACION Trial Judge Slams Defense Attorney Bringing Up 600Breezy

“I’ll tell you why,” Padilla retorted. “Because that person Antonio King- they further posted that the reason they came down there was for Drake. So I’m not making this up, this is out there. But I’m not being allowed to investigate. All I want to do is take this deposition.” However, the judge wasn’t having it. “You’ve had this case since 2018,” he concluded with his hands up. “Go talk to Breezy.” In fact, the rapper responded with laughing emojis in DJ Akademiks’ Instagram post of the exchange.

Meanwhile, other recent news from the trial involves a detective’s testimony, who investigated the murder. Moreover, he stated that defendant Dedrick Williams has, on multiple occasions, changed his side of the story. Also, he expressed that he heard no mention of Drake, the Migos, or any other rappers who are speculated to have hired him. Even though the case is still underway, at least this element of it seems to be dying down quickly. Regardless, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on the XXXTENTACION murder trial.

XXXTENTACION Trial: Drake’s Armed Guards Accused Of Blocking Subpoena

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The defense team in XXXTENTACION’s murder trial accused Drake and his camp of blocking a subpoena. Moreover, codefendant Dedrick Williams’ lawyer, Mauricio Padilla, filed a motion in Broward accusing Drizzy’s guards of dismissing the court order. According to the Miami Herald, the Friday (February 17) motion also includes a request for the rapper to attend a deposition to detail his involvement in X’s death. While many in the court seem to dismiss his supposed involvement, the defense team is adamant about needing his testimony. However, Broward Judge Michael Usan nulled an order on Tuesday (February 14) that would’ve called Drake for a virtual deposition on February 24.

TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 27: Rapper Drake leaves the court following the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the LA Clippers at Scotiabank Arena on December 27, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

Furthermore, the “Nice For What” artist faced contempt in court if the order remained and he didn’t show. Still, Padilla retained the ability to subpoena Drake after Judge Usan’s order. As such, he issued yet another motion asking authorities to require a deposition from the rapper. Also, he wants him held in contempt of court if he misses it. Even though a lack of evidence suggests otherwise, the attorney maintained that Drake had a hand in X’s death.

“The court explained the importance of balancing the rights of the defendants to investigate this first degree murder case properly with Aubrey Drake Graham’s privacy issues,” the motion read. “It was clear by the court’s ruling that he expected for the parties to work together and that despite entering the order vacating, that he expected the deposition to take place.” In addition, Padilla stated that Drake’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, refused to accept a subpoena for him to testify. Moreover, he claimed that armed guards at Drake’s California home prevented a servicer from handing the order.

Meanwhile, Cohen stated that Padilla exhibited a “lack of foundation” in his efforts. Furthermore, Law & Crime footage from Monday court proceedings (February 13) illuminates the process. For example, he explained that Padilla sent Drake an unsealed Zoom link and didn’t detail its conduction. Therefore, Cohen labeled the subpoena as “procedurally defective.” Whether Judge Usan accepts Padilla’s new motion on Tuesday (February 21) remains unknown. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest updates on Drake in the XXXTENTACION murder trial.

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XXXTentacion Murder Trial: Ex-GF Of Defendant Delivers Key Testimony

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During the ongoing trial of XXXTentacion‘s 2018 murder, defendant Dedrick Williams’s former girlfriend Tenell Carter took to the stand. Her testimony revealed shocking news to the courtroom. Williams, along with Robert Allen and Michael Boatwright are currently on trial for allegedly killing X. All three defendants face life without parole sentence. The trial commenced on February 7th and has been ongoing in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit.

Carter took the stand this week to testify for the prosecution about her knowledge of the defendant’s alleged involvement. In Carter’s examination, it is revealed that Williams was not only allegedly at the assassination but also knew those involved. While on the stand, the witness was asked, “Dedrick Williams actually told you that he was present during the robbery and the homicide of Jahseh Onfroy, did he not,” to which she replied, “yes ma’am.” Afterward, the question was followed up with, “did he tell you that he also saw the robbery occur by the shooter and another gunman, correct?” and “and he told you you knew them personally?” Carter confirmed both questions.

Defendant Allegedly At The Scene Of The Crime

The prosecution also questioned the involvement of other celebrities who are involved in the case. She asked carter, “did he ever tell you that the shooting of Jahseh Onfroy had anything to do with Drake.” After Carter’s response of “no,” the prosecution continued to question any knowledge the witness had obtained. Specifically, about Migos, DJ Akademiks, Joe Budden, or any other Toronto connections. Carter then affirmed that she had never heard anything from Williams about their involvement.

This week, Drake’s motion to avoid his deposition on the case was granted. The Toronto rapper was initially held under suspicion after Williams’s defense attorney noted how he was never investigated after the murder, especially given the circumstances of his beef with XXXTentacion. But after Drake’s attorney proved the lack of connection between Drizzy and the case at hand. Subsequently, the judge granted him a pardon from having to take the stand for cross-examination. As the case proceeds to unfold, the prosecution continues to squash unproductive conspiracy theories.

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XXXTENTACION Murder Suspect Denied Drake’s Involvement

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In the latest update in the XXXTENTACION murder trial, former codefendant Robert Allen denied Drake’s involvement. Moreover, Allen testified against his former codefendants in court and pleaded guilty to lesser charges. On Friday (February 10), Allen told the court he never met Drake and didn’t even know who X was when they robbed and shot him. Also, he answered a series of yes-or-no questions from a defendant’s attorney during a cross-examination. As Mauricio Padilla pressed on, representing Dedrick Williams, Allen answered each prompt to form his testimony above.

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 9: Rapper Drake performs onstage during “Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert” at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“So your testimony to this court and to this jury is that you were never on the set of [Drake’s] ‘God’s Plan’ video, filmed in Miami in 2018? Is that what you’re saying?,” the attorney asked in newly released footage. “How much money in 2018 did you receive from either Drake or one of Drake’s associates?” However, Allen said he never met Drake. “You never met Drake?” Padilla continued. “You know who he is though, right?” Allen replied affirmatively, and the lawyer went on. “But actually, in 2018 when this crime occurred, you didn’t know who X was? In 2018, you’re from Broward County, correct? You listen to rap music, correct? And you’re telling this jury that you didn’t know who literally probably the most famous rapper to ever come out of Broward County was in June of 2018? That’s your testimony?”

To be fair, it’s an incredibly murky and delicate situation. While some details of the testimony are odd, the Drake theory rests on hazy connections to begin with. Moreover, the two rappers had a mostly one-sided beef. The Florida rapper aired out frustrations with Drake’s “God’s Plan” visuals and stealing his flow musically. Later, he tweeted “If anyone tries to kill me it was [Drake],” although he claimed someone hacked him.

Still, the ambiguity of the case didn’t stop defense lawyers from dragging Drake into a potential witnesses list. In fact, the court summoned the 6 God for a February 24 deposition, which will likely rule him out of the case. Regardless of what you think of these developments, let us know what you believe in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on the XXXTENTACION murder trial.

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XXXTENTACION Murder Trial: Codefendant Mocked Robert Allen For Taking Plea

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In the latest development of XXXTENTACION’s murder trial, a codefendant recently mocked former codefendant Robert Allen for taking a plea deal. Moreover, Allen is now a state’s witness, and he gave his testimony in court on Wednesday (February 8). During his remarks, he gave details as to what happened before the armed and eventually fatal robbery. However, a deputy in charge of transporting Allen recalled that codefendant Trayvon Newsome mocked Allen for his decision. While the deputy walked past the holding cell with Allen, Newsome shouted “There he is working with the police! You’re working with the white man now!”

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – AUGUST 7: (EDITORS NOTE: Best quality available) In this handout photo provided by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Trayvon Newsome, 20, a suspect in the shooting of rapper XXXTentacion, is seen in a police booking photo after his arrest on charges of first-degree murder August 7, 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Broward County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

Furthermore, Newsome stands charged along with Michael Boatwright and Dedrick Williams with first-degree murder and armed robbery. If convicted, the three will likely serve life in prison. During Robert Allen’s testimony, he said that Boatwright fired the gun that fatally struck X. Also, he denied that anyone hired him to commit the robbery, and that him, Boatwright, and Newsome were hesitant. However, according to Allen, Williams mocked the now codefendants into attacking XXXTENTACION, which the mocking of Allen’s plea deal echoed.

Also, jurors recently saw the full graphic video of the late rapper’s death. While videos of it surfaced online shortly after he passed, many demanded posters to delete them out of respect. Meanwhile, Allen also acknowledged a few other elements of his story. “I couldn’t see or hear what XXX was saying,” he claimed, as he did not want to exit the vehicle. Moreover, their Dodge SUV blocked X’s car as the robbery occurred. “I knew there was a good chance I would get caught. I did not want to get arrested.”

Another witness to the murder was the late Jahseh Onfroy’s uncle, Leonard Kerr. “We get in the car to drive out. At the exit, when we pull out, we stop,” Kerr recounted. “[XXXTENTACION] looked to the left. I looked to the right. By the time [XXXTENTACION] looked to the left, I see a car coming down the block and blocked the entrance. After the car pulled by the entrance, two persons jump out the side doors. One come on Jahseh side, one come on the side that I’m on. The taller one do like this, ‘You don’t come out of the f***ing car.’ The other one was at Jahseh’s side…He was saying, ‘Give me the chain. Where’s the chain?’” After composing himself, Kerr continued to say he ran and, upon returning to the murder scene, called X’s mother. Come back to HNHH for the latest updates on this story.

Courtroom Video Shows XXXTENTACION Pull Out Cash At Bank Of America: Watch

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It’s been roughly five years since XXXTENTACION was shot and killed in broad daylight. However, today marks the beginning of the trial for the three suspects allegedly involved in the rapper’s murder. Though there have been a number of delays and requests, the trial finally began on Monday.

Michael Boatwright, 27, Dedrick Williams, 26, and Trayvon Newsome, 24 are facing trial for their alleged involvement in X’s death. Prosecutors charged each with first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. They pinned Boatwright as the triggerman while alleging Newsome pointed a gun at the rapper – a claim that X’s uncle seemingly confirmed on the stand. However, Boatwright’s attorney stated that his client wasn’t present at the shooting nor could they be identified since the perpetrators wore masks when they shot the rapper. Newsome’s attorney also stated that he would prove his client wasn’t present at the time of X’s murder. A fourth suspect, Robert Allen, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last year and will testify during the trial. 

Along with opening statements, there were also several witnesses who took the stand. A teller from the Bank of America said that X first tried to withdraw $250K cash. However, the teller said the bank didn’t have that kind of cash on hand. During court, prosecutors shared video of X pulling out money from the bank on the day he passed. 

The suspects robbed XXXTENTACION of $50K in cash that the rapper kept in a Louis Vuitton duffle bag. A family relative of X, Leonard Kerr, also took the stand as a witness. Kerr accompanied X to the dealership where he tried to purchase a car. “His mom asked me to accompany him,” Kerr stated when asked why he was with X. During his testimony, he recalled warning the rapper to zip up his duffle bag in order to prevent attracting unwanted attention. 

Kerr also recalled the moment when the gunman approached the vehicle. He stated that he managed to run from the passenger side as soon as he saw weapons pointed toward him. When he returned, he saw XXXTENTACION unconscious in the vehicle. We’ll continue to keep you updated on any more information regarding the case.

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