Teen admits to killing late rapper in his rented Hollywood Hills mansion in 2020.
Pop Smoke's sad death in February 2020 shocked the hip-hop community, and the mystery behind his murder went unresolved until July 2021, when the Los Angeles Police Department arrested and prosecuted five people in connection with the crime. Among those charged was a 15-year-old boy who admitted to firing the fatal shots.
The teenager, who is now 18, appeared in juvenile court on May 12, where he confessed to first-degree murder and a home-invasion robbery charge. He also admitted to intentionally discharging a firearm during the crime. According to City News Service, he will be held in a state juvenile facility until he turns 25.
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At the hearing, the judge addressed the young man and his co-defendant, a 19-year-old who admitted to a juvenile court petition charging him with home-invasion robbery, saying, "That man lost his life over no good reason. ... You have no right to take somebody's life. You have no right to take somebody's property."
Two additional suspects, aged 19 and 20, have already pleaded guilty to the same crimes. They might be held in juvenile detention until they reach the age of 25. Due to their minors at the time of the crime, the identities of all three young males are being hidden from the public.
Corey Walker, the only defendant being charged in adult court, was 19 at the time of the killing and is now 22. He is awaiting a pretrial hearing in June 2023 on murder, robbery, and burglary charges.
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The rap community continues to mourn the loss of Pop Smoke, and this case highlights the need for justice and accountability in senseless acts of violence. The tragedy serves as a reminder that gun violence affects not only the victims but also the families, friends, and fans left behind.
- FAQs:
Q: Who admitted to killing Pop Smoke?
A: An 18-year-old man who was 15 at the time of the crime admitted to killing Pop Smoke during a home-invasion robbery in Hollywood Hills.
Q: What charges did the killer admit to?
A: The killer admitted to first-degree murder, a home-invasion robbery charge, and an allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the crime.
Q: What is the killer's punishment?
A: The killer will be held in a state juvenile facility until he turns 25.
Q: How many people were charged in connection with Pop Smoke's murder?
A: Five individuals were charged in connection with Pop Smoke's murder.
Q: Are all the defendants being charged in adult court?
A: No, only one of the defendants, Corey Walker, is being charged in adult court because he was 19 at the time of the crime.
Q: When is Corey Walker's pretrial hearing?
A: Corey Walker's pretrial hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2023.
Q: Why are the names of the three defendants being withheld from the public?
A: The names of three defendants are being withheld from the public due to their ages at the time of the crime.
Q: What was Pop Smoke's real name?
A: Pop Smoke's real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson.
Q: When was Pop Smoke killed?
A: Pop Smoke was killed on February 19, 2020.
Q: What was the reaction of the judge during the hearing?
A: According to City News Service, the judge told the defendants, "That man lost his life over no good reason. ... You have no right to take somebody's life. You have no right to take somebody's property."
Q: What is the significance of the Pop Smoke murder case for the hip-hop community?
A: The Pop Smoke murder case is significant for the hip-hop community as it highlights the need for justice and accountability in senseless acts of violence.
Q: What does the tragedy of Pop Smoke's murder remind us about gun violence?
A: The tragedy of Pop Smoke's murder reminds us that gun violence affects not only the victims but also the families, friends, and fans left behind.
Q: Why was Pop Smoke in Hollywood Hills at the time of the murder?
A: The reason for Pop Smoke's presence in Hollywood Hills at the time of the murder is not clear. However, some reports suggest that he may have been staying at the residence where the home invasion robbery took place.
Q: How has the hip-hop community reacted to Pop Smoke's murder?
A: The hip-hop community has mourned the loss of Pop Smoke and has called for justice in his murder case. Many artists have paid tribute to him through their music and social media.
Q: How has Pop Smoke's murder impacted the music industry?
A: Pop Smoke's murder has had a significant impact on the music industry, as it highlights the dangers that artists face due to their fame and success. It has also sparked conversations about the need for increased security measures for artists and their teams.
Q: What steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future?
A: To prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future, there needs to be a collective effort from law enforcement, artists, and their teams to prioritize safety and security. This can include increased security measures at events, stricter gun laws, and better education and resources for at-risk youth.