It was a crime that shocked the rap music community, and now it has been solved—a 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the robbery-killing of the late rapper Pop Smoke. The young man was sentenced to four years and two months in a juvenile facility, which is far less than what he could have received if he had been tried as an adult.
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson in Brooklyn, New York, was an up and coming artist in the rap scene who had already achieved some success with his debut album “Meet the Woo” before his untimely death. The 20-year old artist had already worked with some of rap’s biggest stars such as Travis Scott and Quavo when he died suddenly. His death sent shockwaves through the rap community and left many fans heartbroken.
The 20-year-old man who pleaded guilty was identified as Corey Walker. He admitted to being one of four people who entered Pop Smoke’s home in Los Angeles with guns intending to rob him on February 19th, 2020. During the altercation, Walker fired a gun that killed Pop Smoke. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and attempted robbery charges. Under California law, Walker will be treated as a juvenile because he was 17 at the time of the murder which means he will not face life imprisonment or even adult court proceedings but rather could receive up to seven years behind bars once he is transferred from juvenile court jurisdiction to an adult prison facility when he turns 25 years old.
This case brings closure for many fans who were devastated by Pop Smoke’s murder but unfortunately does not bring back their beloved artist.
