According to numerous online reports and social media activity, authorities reportedly released one of Pop Smoke’s alleged killers from jail (specifically juvie) for what seems like his 21st birthday. Moreover, there isn’t a lot of concrete information available about this supposed release at press time, other than this being the completion of the alleged killer’s four-year sentence for pleading guilty to murder. This follows other developments in the New York drill rapper’s murder case, such as an alleged eyewitness explaining how it all went down. That took place on social media, though, not in court. As such, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and doubts when it comes to this tragedy.
Furthermore, four years have passed since Pop Smoke died in a home invasion and robbery, and only one defendant remains in his case. Corey Walker is also the only adult defendant in this case, and the court delayed his trial due to an inability to settle a plea agreement with prosecutors. “Negotiations fell through, but there’s still a possibility we’ll come to an agreement,” defense attorney Deion Benjamin told Rolling Stone. “A few things need to be ironed out. If they don’t get resolved, we’ll go to trial,” for which jury selection would begin on August 6.
Pop Smoke’s Alleged Killer Is Reportedly Free
However, this vague release definitely isn’t the most odd or bizarre thing to emerge out of this Pop Smoke case. Some connected it to the death of rapper Sirtanky, and believe that the latter passed away as a move of retaliation for the murder of the former. In fact, the Los Angeles rapper washed up in a barrel on the shores of Malibu, a gruesome and disturbing end with unclear context behind it. Hopefully no further violence affects this whole situation.
Meanwhile, Pop Smoke continues to live on as a staple of contemporary New York hip-hop, falling alongside city legends that have also done a lot to rep for the city in their respective eras. Sadly, his time on this Earth was far too short for him to fully enjoy and realize his impact, potential, talents, and life. Hopefully this release is a sign of completed justice, and that folks involved have learned from their horrific actions. We’ll see how else The Woo endures.
About The Author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is a music and pop culture news writer for HotNewHipHop. He started in 2022 as a weekend writer and, since joining the team full-time, has developed a strong knowledge in hip-hop news and releases. Whether it’s regular coverage or occasional interviews and album reviews, he continues to search for the most relevant news for his audience and find the best new releases in the genre. What excites him the most is finding pop culture stories of interest, as well as a deeper passion for the art form of hip-hop and its contemporary output.
Specifically, Gabriel enjoys the fringes of rap music: the experimental, boundary-pushing, and raw alternatives to the mainstream sound. As a proud native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he also stays up-to-date with the archipelago’s local scene and its biggest musical exponents in reggaetón, salsa, indie, and beyond.
Before working at HotNewHipHop, Gabriel produced multiple short documentaries, artist interviews, venue spotlights, and audio podcasts on a variety of genres and musical figures. Hardcore punk and Go-go music defined much of his coverage during his time at the George Washington University in D.C.
His favorite hip-hop artists working today are Tyler, The Creator, Boldy James, JPEGMAFIA, and Earl Sweatshirt.
