Four Charged in Pop Smoke’s Death – Two Eligible for Death Penalty
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Two men and two teens have been charged with killing rapper Pop Smoke during a robbery in February, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday (July 13).
Corey Walker, 19, and Keandre Rodgers, 18, were each charged with murder Monday, with the special circumstance allegation that the murder occurred during the commission of a robbery and a burglary, making them eligible for the death penalty, according to the announcement. The complaint also alleges gang and gun allegations. Both defendants are expected to be arraigned Monday at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
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Additionally, two male juveniles, ages 17 and 15, were each charged with one count of murder and robbery in juvenile court.
Walker and Rodgers face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged. A decision on whether to seek capital punishment will be made at a later date.
Pop Smoke was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds Feb. 19 when police responded to a call on Hercules Drive in the Mount Olympus area of the Hollywood Hills. He died later at a hospital.
Police said the assailants did not know Pop Smoke, but got his address from photos the rapper posted on social media.
The 20-year-old, Brooklyn-based rapper suffered his fatal injuries at a rental property owned by Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” fame. The 911 call the LAPD responded to actually came from the east coast, from someone who had apparently been called by someone inside the L.A. property during the home invasion.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
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