California police are investigating a disturbing connection between the murder of New York rapper Pop Smoke and a gruesome discovery in Malibu. On July 31, a barrel washed ashore containing the naked body of Javonnta Murphy, the brother of one of the suspects arrested for the late rapper's murder.
Possible Retaliation?
In a shocking turn of events, the murder investigation surrounding the death of Brooklyn rapper Bashar Jackson, known as Pop Smoke, took an eerie twist when the body of Javonnta Murphy was found in a barrel on a beach in Malibu, California. Murphy’s brother, Jaquan Murphy, was one of the five individuals arrested earlier this year in connection with the late artist’s violent death during a home invasion in Los Angeles in February 2020.
Jaquan Murphy had initially been charged with attempted murder but was later cleared. He now awaits trial for another murder in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is investigating the possibility that Murphy’s death is linked to retaliation for Pop Smoke’s murder. However, they have not released any further details regarding the motive.
Updated by Chris Samuel
18-Year-Old Admits To Killing Pop Smoke In Home Invasion Robbery
In a shocking revelation, an 18-year-old defendant, whose identity remains undisclosed, has admitted to the murder of Pop Smoke. The defendant, who was 15 years old at the time of the crime, recently confessed to a juvenile court petition charging him with first-degree murder. The incident occurred during a court date in Los Angeles on May 12, where the late Brooklyn rapper tragically lost his life.
Admittance & Condemnation In Court
During a court hearing, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Christopher Smith sternly condemned the defendant’s actions, highlighting the gravity of taking someone’s life and violating their property rights. The admission of guilt by the 18-year-old defendant adds a significant development to the legal proceedings surrounding Pop Smoke’s murder case.
Additional Defendants & Charges
The defendant’s admission comes in the context of multiple individuals being charged in connection with the “Christopher Walkin’” rapper’s death. Corey Walker, Keandre Rodgers, and another unnamed juvenile were also involved in the tragic incident.
They allegedly burst into Pop Smoke’s bedroom, assaulting and shooting him. The charges against the defendant include home-invasion robbery and personally discharging a firearm during the crime.
The Tragic Loss of Pop Smoke
New York drill rapper Pop Smoke was fatally shot during a home invasion in Los Angeles on February 19, 2020, cutting his rise to rap fame short. His untimely death shocked the music industry and devastated his fans worldwide.
The recent admission by the 18-year-old defendant sheds new light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.In recent news related to Pop Smoke, his manager and producer recently announced that there will be no further posthumous releases from the artist.
Updated by Chris Samuel (5/15/2023)
Judge Refuses Bail for Pop Smoke’s Alleged Killer Corey Walker
A Los Angeles County judge has denied bail to Corey Walker. Walker is one of the teens accused of killing the late New York rapper Pop Smoke.
Pop Smoke’s Killed Denied Bail
Walker’s attorney Christopher Darden requested bail for his client but prosecutors filed a response to the motion which suggested that Walker’s case was not applicable for bail based on the law. Judge Curtis B. Rappe agreed with the state denying bail for Walker who will now remain in custody until the official trial.
Walker is facing a potential max sentence of life without parole. Walker was the only suspect who was an adult at the time of Pop Smoke’s death. Walker and three male juveniles are accused of killing Pop Smoke in a robbery back in 2020.
Pop Smoke was found by police shot inside a multimillion-dollar house he was renting during a visit to Los Angeles. Pop reportedly posted photos on social media hours before his killing from a party at the home revealing the property address.
Denied The Death Penalty
Originally Walker was facing the death penalty however, the Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon vowed to refrain from seeking the death penalty.
Back in June 2020, Walker also requested to meet the parents of Pop Smoke. No word on when or if that meeting took place.