After greater than 4 years, the trial of the three males accused of killing up-and-coming Hip-Hop star XXXTentacion will start on January 18 in Fort Lauderdale.
Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Treyvon Newsome all face armed theft and first-degree homicide costs, in addition to the opportunity of a life sentence if they’re convicted. They’ve pleaded not responsible. XXXTentacion, whose actual identify is Jahseh Onfroy, was killed in Fort Lauderdale on June 18, 2018, when masked gunmen shot his automotive after leaving a bike store. After taking pictures him, the gunmen took a bag containing $50,000 that he had simply withdrawn from the financial institution.
The defendants’ attorneys have urged in arguments made to the courtroom that there have been third events who had motives for killing XXXTentacion. Nevertheless, reviews have indicated vital proof linking the accused to the crime. It was reported that investigators discovered Boatwright’s fingerprints on the door of XXXTentacion’s BMW and that Williams’ girlfriend advised investigators that he was one of many gunmen. Moreover, investigators have said that cell phone knowledge locations the defendants on the homicide scene. Boatwright and Newsome’s telephones had been discovered to include footage exhibiting massive quantities of $100 payments taken on the evening of the homicide.
Moreover, a fourth man implicated within the homicide, Robert Allen, beforehand pled responsible to second-degree homicide and is anticipated to testify in opposition to the opposite three males on the trial.
The defendants’ attorneys seemingly have their work lower out for them at this trial. Below Florida legislation, first-degree homicide is dedicated when an individual commits a “premeditated homicide” – that means pursuant to a pre-planned act or scheme – or “felony homicide,” that means dedicated whereas additionally engaged in committing a felony, similar to theft. From a sentencing standpoint, the distinction between first-degree homicide and second-degree homicide is that first-degree homicide requires a compulsory life sentence with out parole. In distinction, second-degree homicide requires a minimal 16.75-year sentence. Nonetheless, it could be elevated as much as a life sentence (if an individual makes use of a firearm to commit second-degree homicide, then their obligatory minimal is raised to 25 years). Though first-degree homicide might carry a dying sentence, it isn’t pursued by the prosecution in these instances.
The jury is anticipated to take three weeks, and the trial will final into March.
