XXXTentacion Trial: Jury Is Out For Deliberation

BY Erika Marie 770 Views
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Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2018
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: A view of a tribute to slain rapper XXXtentacion during day 2 of Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
This trial has been a wild ride that even included the defense trying to get Drake to testify.

It's only a matter of time before the world learns the fate of XXXTentacion's killers. Four suspects were accused of robbing and murdering Jahseh Onfroy in 2018 in his home state of Florida. The rapper visited a local motorcycle shop, and as he was driving out of the parking lot, an SUV blocked his pathway. The botched robbery was captured by surveillance cameras, and after the group fled, someone recorded Onfroy as he died in his car. That video was later posted to social media.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, and the trial has been quite the spectacle. One of the defendants also turned on his friends and testified for the prosecution. Other witnesses took the stand to confirm that at least one of the defendants confirmed he was involved. The attorney for the alleged triggerman tried to argue that his client and another defendant were innocent due to DNA evidence. After a lengthy process, the jury is now out for deliberation.

Drake's Name Was Dragged Into The Chaos

BET Hip Hop Awards 2017 - Arrivals
MIAMI BEACH, FL - OCTOBER 06: Rapper XXXTentacion attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2017 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater on October 6, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET )

“Whoever (XXXTentacion) struggled with is not in this courtroom,” the attorney told the court. “The DNA proves that someone not named Michael Boatwright or Trayvon Newsome participated in this murder.” Additionally, this case has named several high-profile rappers, including Drake. Defense attorneys did their best to wrap Drizzy's name into the scandal due to his online beef with the late star.

Robert Allen, the defendant who turned State's witness, testified that he and his conspirators got away with $50,000. However, his cut was much lower than the others because he refused to get out of the SUV. The defense attempted to paint him as an unreliable witness who wasn't telling the truth. In a more shocking reveal in court today (March 8), a video was played, said to have been taken just hours after Onfroy's murder. In it, the defendants are seen enjoying themselves as they smile, dance, and display handfuls of cash. To be specific, $100 bills.

XXXTentacion Fan Await News

Of the three remaining defendants waiting on a verdict, they all are looking at upwards of life behind bars. The Associated Press reported that although they were tried together, their convictions would be separate. This also means that not all could be convicted. It was reported that the jury gathered for about an hour before calling it a day. For now, it's a waiting game, but a verdict is expected sooner than later.

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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.