Three young men have been found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery in the shooting death of rap star XXXTentacion in 2018, as determined by a Florida jury.
The rising artist, whose real name was Jahseh Onfroy, was killed at the age of twenty in broad daylight in Deerfield Beach, near Miami, following his controversial success with the album “?” which had hit number one on the chart in 2018 despite his history of violence, including pending charges of assaulting his pregnant former girlfriend.
The trial lasted a week and ended with the conviction of Dedrick Williams, Trayvon Newsome, and Michael Boatwright. The sentencing is set for April 6, and the first-degree murder conviction carries a potential life sentence.
Also Read: Pastor Found Dead in Mirugi Dishon’s House Had Allegedly Sent a Distress Message
On June 18, 2018, two people intercepted XXXTentacion’s car in a four-wheel drive vehicle, and one of them shot him before stealing a bag with $50,000 and fleeing the scene. The prosecution argued that Boatwright was the shooter, Newsome and Williams were the accomplices who got out of the car, and Williams was the mastermind who drove the getaway car.
Robert Allen, another suspect, later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed robbery and testified against the other three.
At the time of his death, XXXTentacion was gaining popularity for his music blending open and dark themes, including his suicidal thoughts.
