The Pop Smoke murder case has made a dramatic turn. King Vermont Raskel is an up-and-coming rapper who goes by the stage name Blockstar and made headlines after reportedly cutting his court-ordered ankle monitor, days after he was released from a youth facility for four years of his alleged participation in the 2020 murder of fast-rising rap star Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Jackson.
Pop Smoke’s killer, Blockstar, who recently just got of Juvenile Detention was seen on Instagram cutting off his ankle monitor. PIC.TWITTER.COM/VD2HH0H2KE
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) JUNE 28, 2024
Blockstar captured the actions in a video he shared on Instagram. The video is of him cutting off the ankle monitor and tossing it away, which has shocked everyone in the community due to its dangerous nature to both himself and society.Now, his probation officer wants immediate relocation for compliance and public safety.
Blackstar, one of three juveniles connected with the tragic killing of Pop Smoke, was released from a California Secure Youth Treatment Facility to celebrate his 21st birthday. What he did next has only helped heap controversy upon controversy in the case of the rapper’s untimely killing.
This case has equally gone through its share of twists and turns. Corey Walker, the only adult defendant in the murder case, is still in legal limbo as negotiations for his sentencing have been delayed. He faces a longer wait to stand trial. Meanwhile, Blockstar’s brazen defiance has drawn widespread attention and outrage.
The news has elicited very sharp reactions in the hip-hop community. Since the news surfaced, several artists, producers, and fans took to social media to express their outrage over how easily Blockstar could get rid of his ankle monitor.There are now calls for action to be taken swiftly by authorities to ensure that he faces proper consequences for his role in the murder of Pop Smoke.
Though anger and frustration are a part of the reaction, many hip-hop artists have stepped forward to pay tribute to Pop Smoke. Remembered for his unmistakable voice and such hits as “Dior” and “Welcome to the Party,” Pop Smoke stood on the threshold of stardom when this brutal killing took away his life. He will permanently be etched in the memory of his fans and peers as one who affected music tremendously.
The Pop Smoke case prosecution has been very elaborate and extensive. Since the home invasion that took his life back in February, detectives have worked nonstop to piece together what went down that ill-fated night. The surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence were able to help identify suspects in the case.
In July 2020, five suspects were arrested. Two adults—Corey Walker and Keandre Rodgers—have been charged with murder during the commission of a robbery and burglary. A third, Jaquan Murphy, faces charges of attempted murder. An affiliation with a Los Angeles street gang was also discovered, connecting Pop Smoke’s murder to another entirely different case.
These recent actions by Blackstar add a heightened urgency to the case as Corey Walker awaits his trial. Justice is wanted by not only the hip-hop community but by the public in general, adding that people responsible for Pop Smoke’s death should be held liable.
It has been a real saga, this case of Pop Smoke’s murder. The recent twists and turns that Blockstar is going through are tales for proving the obstacles law forces have to overcome to seek justice. One thing, however, stands very clear: the memory remains alive, and the struggle for justice in his name stays first and foremost in our community’s thoughts as time unfolds.
