On June 18, 2018, the tragic passing of rapper XXXTentacion sent shockwaves through the music industry and his fanbase. The day began typically for the artist, who was seen driving his custom black BMW i8 to a Bank of America branch, where he withdrew a substantial $50,000 in cash, reportedly for a motorcycle purchase later that day. However, unbeknownst to him, his movements were being closely monitored by a group of individuals who had sinister intentions.
The four men—Dedrick William, Robert Allen, Michael Boatwright, and Trayvon Newsom—spotted XXXTentacion at the bank and began tailing him throughout the day. After his bank visit, he proceeded to Riva Motorsports to meet his uncle and finalize the motorcycle deal. While parked outside, the men seized the opportunity to buy ski masks and gloves from a nearby store, unaware that surveillance cameras captured their purchases.
Inside the motorcycle shop, XXXTentacion interacted with his uncle while two of the men entered, seemingly to observe him and the contents of his Louis Vuitton bag. As he left the shop, the rapper remained unaware of the impending danger. When attempting to exit the parking lot, a minivan blocked his path, and two armed men emerged, demanding he surrender his bag. In a tragic turn, a confrontation ensued, leading to his death.
Witnesses reported that the assailants fled the scene with the bag of cash, but the entire incident was recorded by security cameras at various locations, including the bank, the convenience store, and the motorcycle shop. This footage proved crucial for law enforcement, who apprehended the four men within a month of the incident.
Dedrick William was charged with first-degree murder and denied bail, maintaining a not-guilty plea despite being clearly recorded following the rapper’s vehicle prior to the attack. Michael Boatwright and Robert Allen faced similar charges, with Allen being captured at his sister’s residence in Georgia. Trayvon Newsom was also charged and arrested shortly after.
The legal proceedings have been lengthy, with the defendants employing various tactics to prolong the case. Recently, one of the individuals requested $10,000 from the court to assist in proving his innocence. Despite the drawn-out courtroom battles, the tragic loss of XXXTentacion remains a haunting reminder of the dangers that can accompany fame.
The amount of cash in the Louis Vuitton bag is still uncertain, with estimates suggesting it was around $50,000. However, the devastating consequences of that day extend far beyond the financial aspect, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and the lives of his fans and loved ones. As the case continues to unfold, the legacy of XXXTentacion persists, serving as both a cautionary tale about violence and a tribute to his impact on the world of music.