Slain rapper Pop Smoke‘s family might be getting justice soon. Thursday morning, multiple people landed in handcuffs and were arrested in connection to the New York rapper’s February murder.
Pop x Arrests
New reports reveal that five people, including three adults and two juveniles, have been taken in by police. While the charges haven’t been revealed yet, the arrests are related to his murder investigation.
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Our law enforcement sources tell us the LAPD served multiple search warrants around Los Angeles early Thursday morning, and 5 people were arrested on warrants in connection to the rapper’s murder. Sources tell us 3 adults and 2 juveniles were arrested. It’s unclear what the suspects are being charged with, but we’re told all 5 will be interviewed by police and then booked. (TMZ)
High-Key Details
In May 2020, reports surfaced about law enforcement getting delayed in its murder investigation of Pop Smoke. Issues ultimately related to the global COVID-19 and coronavirus pandemic.
When detectives are able to investigate, we’re told they still try to go out and safely speak face-to-face with people in an attempt to gather evidence … but that’s been a challenge already in this case. As we first told you … cops were running into witness issues in the case, as people were either refusing to talk about Pop’s death or providing unreliable info. On a more positive note … our sources say investigators are hoping the rapper’s upcoming posthumous debut album will renew interest in the case, get people talking, and drum up tips and new leads. (TMZ)
Wait, There’s More
A few weeks ago, Pop Smoke’s family announced a non-profit foundation called Shoot For The Stars. Smoke’s mom talked about putting together the organization shortly before his death.
“Today, the family of Bashar “Pop Smoke” Jackson is announcing SHOOT FOR THE STARS, a (501(c)(3)) foundation established by Pop Smoke prior to his passing and led by his mother. “The foundation is meant to inspire inner city youth to do just what the name states, ‘shoot for the stars,’” Ms. Jackson says, “and help urban youth everywhere turn their pain into champagne by making their dreams a reality.” “As [Bashar] traveled around the city, he realized that the technology he had access to during his school years was not the norm for urban schools.” Says Ms. Jackson. “It was great fun brainstorming and planning [Shoot for the Stars] with him. I am looking forward to working with the team he put together before he was so tragically taken from us.” With everything happening in the world today, I know Bashar would feel the urgency of need, now more than ever before, He strived to inspire youth and would have loved to see people playing his music and dancing in the streets while they marched in the fight for equality and justice. He made music, not only for the kids in his neighborhood but around the world, to inspire them to dream big regardless of their situation. The hope he carried for the next generation will live on through Shoot for the Stars. It was something that was very important to him and we’re honored to continue his legacy. This is only the beginning.” In summary, Ms. Jackson shares, “We make this announcement and look forward to Pop’s debut album via Victor Victor.”” -Steven Victor’s Instagram
Before You Go
In late February 2020, Pop Smoke had his life taken from him following a fatal home invasion. The 20-year-old rap star ultimately died from a fatal gunshot wound at his Hollywood Hills home in California.
Around 4 a.m., soon after he came home, the police said, four men in hoodies broke in and shot him twice. A bullet to the torso left the promising 20-year-old musician dead. A week after his death, the Los Angeles Police Department is trying to untangle whether Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Jackson, was the victim of a random robbery or if he was targeted, perhaps because of what he was posting on social media. There have been no arrests. (New York Times)