Shyheim Was Fleeing For His Life When Motorist Was Killed In Accident

BY Erika Marie 5.2K Views
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Shyheim
Shyheim said he takes full responsibility for his role in the event, but he refuses to feel forced to live in his past.

It was just eight months into Shyheim's parole when he was involved in a fatal accident. It was reportedly in the early morning hours of New Year's Day back in 2014 when Shyheim was speeding down the road, ran a red light, and collided with Felipe Avila's Toyota. The rapper reportedly fled the scene and Avila perished in the crash. That same year, he pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He was released last month after serving five years, and he recently sat down with VladTV to discuss the strange circumstances surrounding what led to the collision.

'When things happen, you don't understand the damage you cause," Shyheim said after giving his condolences once again to the victim's family. "The damage that affects not just right now, down the line. His kids, his grandkids, the things he'll never get to do because of the part I played in something." Shyheim said he takes full responsibility for what he's done, "but what I will not do for anybody, I will not let anybody have me live in my past."

The rapper added that he's done his time and paid his debt to society, but he's trying to pick up the pieces and build a better life for himself. "I don't how many times I can say I apologize and I'm sorry... Well, that's one time I will say I'm sorry for my actions. I'm sorry that I didn't stay to get him some help." He shared that he sat in his cell for years questioning how selfish he was on that fateful night.

Shyheim added that he was speeding through the streets that night because there was an attempt on his life and he was trying to get away. The rapper explained that he's targeted, whether it be by the streets or tagged by law enforcement, so he felt as if his life was in danger. He didn't want to name names in court so he copped the plea to "get it over with and move on with my life." Watch his explanation in full below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.