Four people, two adults, and two teenagers have been charged with murder in the killing of Pop Smoke. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced criminal charges against the alleged culprits.
Corey Walker, 19, and Keandre Rodgers, 18, were each charged with murder with the special circumstance allegation that the murder occurred during the commission of a robbery and a burglary. The criminal complaint also includes gang and gun allegations.
If convicted on the allegation that the murder occurred during a burglary, they could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. At the moment, however, prosecutors have yet to decide whether they will seek capital punishment.
Also, two other male juveniles, ages 17 and 15, each was charged with one count of murder and robbery in juvenile court. Their names are withheld, as they are still minors.
Last week, we reported that the L.A. Police Department made five arrests in connection with the Feb. 19 home invasion killing of rapper Pop Smoke. The four defendants are accused of breaking into Pop Smoke’s home in the Hollywood Hills and fatally shooting the 20-year-old during a robbery. Authorities at the time said the assailants did not know Pop Smoke personally and may have discovered his location through social media.
Yesterday, Pop Smoke’s debut album Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 251,000 equivalent album units making him the first rapper to posthumously debut at No.1 with his debut album.
