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.
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.