A$AP Rocky’s Firearm Assault Trial Begins with Shocking Revelations and a New Defense Strategy
The trial of Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, kicked off in Los Angeles this week with dramatic twists and a surprising new defense strategy. The 36-year-old artist,known for hits like “Multiply,” rejected a final plea deal on the first day of his trial,where he faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, Mayers coudl face up to 24 years in prison.
The case stems from an alleged altercation in November 2021, when Mayers reportedly fired multiple shots during a quarrel with his former high school classmate and collaborator, A$AP Relli (born Terell Ephron),outside a Hollywood hotel. Prosecutors claim Mayers was carrying a loaded 9mm handgun, but his defense team has introduced a startling new narrative: the weapon was a “prop gun.”
Mayers’ lead defense lawyer, Joe Tacopina, revealed for the first time in court that the rapper was carrying a “starter pistol” for security purposes, not a functional firearm. Tacopina argued that Mayers, who has been the victim of prior violence and stalker home invasions, frequently enough carried the prop gun as a precaution.
the defense plans to call two key witnesses to support this claim: Jamel Da’Shawn Phillips, known professionally as A$AP Twelvyy, who was present during the altercation, and a tour manager who works closely with Mayers. Both are expected to testify that the alleged firearm was a prop and that Ephron was the “first aggressor” in the incident.
Prosecutors, however, were caught off guard by the new defense. Deputy District Attorney John Lewin expressed frustration, stating, “It’s a brand-new defense that’s never been mentioned.” He added that the prosecution only learned about the “fake gun” argument on the eve of the trial.
The case has drawn critically importent attention due to Mayers’ celebrity status and the high stakes involved. Surveillance footage from a parking garage security camera, presented during a probable cause hearing in late 2023, showed Mayers holding what prosecutors described as a 9mm handgun. However, the defense’s claim that the weapon was a prop introduces a new layer of complexity to the trial.As the proceedings unfold, the court will weigh the credibility of the defense’s witnesses against the prosecution’s evidence. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for Mayers’ career and personal life.
Key Points of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Defendant | A$AP rocky (Rakim mayers) |
| Charges | Two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm |
| Alleged Incident | November 2021 altercation with A$AP Relli outside a Hollywood hotel |
| Prosecution’s Claim | Mayers fired multiple shots with a loaded 9mm handgun |
| Defense’s Claim | The weapon was a “prop gun” used for security purposes |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 24 years in prison if convicted |
| Key Witnesses | A$AP Twelvyy and Mayers’ tour manager |
The trial continues to captivate audiences as the legal battle unfolds. will the defense’s new strategy sway the jury, or will the prosecution’s evidence prove insurmountable? Only time will tell.
For more updates on this high-profile case, stay tuned to our coverage.Judge Allows Prosecutors to Highlight Late Disclosure in Mayers’ Assault Case
In a tense courtroom hearing, Judge arnold ruled that prosecutors could address the defense’s late disclosure of a starter pistol in their opening statement, a move that defense attorney John Tacopina called an “ambush.” The case centers on allegations of assault with a semiautomatic firearm against defendant Mayers, with the starter pistol playing a pivotal role in the defense’s argument.
“I don’t think it’s fair that you waited this long to disclose the starter pistol, if that’s central to your defense,” Judge Arnold said, acknowledging the prosecution’s concerns.However, he stopped short of striking two key witnesses from the defense’s case, as requested by the prosecution.
The defense argued that the starter pistol was part of their strategy to show that Mayers never fired at the alleged victim, Ephron, and that Ephron initiated the violence. Tacopina claimed he had informed prosecutors about this defense but accused them of failing to follow up. “I should just call and tell them what our defense is?” Tacopina asked incredulously. “That’s our defense. Now they have everything — everything.”
Prosecutors,however,maintained that the late disclosure was unfair. “This is not a minor witness [account]. This is their whole case. Their whole case is based on this witness’s statement,” said Deputy District Attorney Paul przelomiec.
As the hearing concluded, Judge Arnold inquired about a potential plea deal. Przelomiec revealed that prosecutors had offered Mayers a deal that included 180 days in county jail, three years of probation, a seven-year suspended prison sentence, 480 hours of community service, and a 52-week anger management program. While not explicitly stated, such a deal would leave Mayers with a felony record, possibly impacting his ability to travel abroad for work.
The case carries a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison, but both sides indicated they would seek a lesser penalty.
Key Points of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Charge | Assault with a semiautomatic firearm |
| Plea Deal Offer | 180 days in jail, 3 years probation, 480 hours community service, anger management |
| Maximum Sentence | 24 years in prison |
| Defense Argument | Mayers never fired at Ephron; ephron initiated violence |
| Key Evidence | Starter pistol disclosed late by the defense |
The case continues to unfold, with the late disclosure of the starter pistol likely to remain a focal point. For more on the legal implications of felony records, visit this resource.
Stay tuned for updates as the trial progresses.
ASAP Rocky Declines Plea Deal in Hollywood shooting Case
In a dramatic turn of events, rapper ASAP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, declined a plea deal that could have seen him serve 10 to 12 years in prison if convicted in the ongoing Hollywood shooting case. The trial, wich has garnered significant media attention, centers around allegations that Mayers fired a weapon at the corner of Selma Ave. and vista Del Mar Ave. in Hollywood on November 6,2021.
The Confrontation and Allegations
The incident reportedly began with a confrontation between Mayers and Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, outside a parking garage a block away from the shooting location. According to Ephron’s testimony, the argument stemmed from accusations that Mayers had reneged on a promise to pay for a friend’s funeral and was being “so fucking fake.” Mayers,thru his lawyer,has denied these claims,asserting that Ephron fabricated the shooting and a grazing injury to his hand to extort money.
Interestingly, during cross-examination, Ephron conceded that he later learned Mayers had indeed covered the funeral costs.
Video Evidence and Prosecution’s Claims
Prosecutors presented grainy surveillance footage allegedly showing Mayers discharging his weapon. The video, which had no sound and did not capture a muzzle flash, depicted figures scattering around the same time. Additional surveillance clips captured loud noises, followed by a man identified as Mayers rounding a corner and slowing to a walk. Prosecutors claimed the two loud cracks were the alleged gunshots.
However, officers who responded to the scene did not find any shell casings. Ephron later testified that he personally returned to the scene after the police search and found two 9mm shell casings, which he photographed and handed over to investigators.
Courtroom Drama and Rihanna’s Role
Mayers made headlines again during a recent court appearance, arriving in a long black leather trench coat and surrounded by security.His presence caused a stir, with passersby snapping photos, prompting a deputy to warn that devices would be confiscated if anyone continued.
the courtroom also addressed the role of Mayers’ significant other,superstar singer Rihanna. Defense attorney Joe Tacopina had previously referred to Rihanna as Mayers’ “common-law wife,” but the judge clarified that she would be referred to as his “significant other” unless a marriage certificate was provided. Tacopina confirmed that Rihanna might attend the trial at some point, but not daily.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Incident Date | November 6, 2021 |
| Location | Selma Ave. and Vista del Mar Ave., Hollywood |
| Allegations | Mayers fired a weapon after a confrontation with Terell ephron |
| Plea Deal | Declined, facing 10-12 years if convicted |
| Evidence | Grainy surveillance footage, loud noises, and shell casings |
| Rihanna’s Role | Referred to as Mayers’ “significant other” |
What’s Next?
As the trial progresses, all eyes remain on the courtroom. With Mayers declining the plea deal, the case is set to proceed, potentially leading to a high-stakes verdict. Whether Rihanna’s presence will influence the proceedings remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this case continues to captivate the public’s attention.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our coverage.
Selma Ave. and Vista Del Mar Ave.
ASAP Rocky
RihannaA$AP Rocky Faces Trial: Judge Warns of Potential Prison Sentence
In a courtroom drama that has captured the attention of fans and legal observers alike, A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was reminded by Judge Arnold that his celebrity status would not influence the outcome of his trial.“You’re not going to get any special treatment. Your status as an entertainer, your status as the significant other of Rihanna, that’s not going to inure to your benefit, and it’s not going to inure to your harm,” the judge stated firmly during the proceedings.
The trial stems from allegations that Mayers fired a gun at a former friend and collaborator near a Hollywood hotel in 2021. If convicted, the rapper could face a significant prison sentence. Judge Arnold made this clear when he asked Mayers, “You are aware that if convicted, you will go into custody and it’s very likely you will get a significant prison sentence?” Mayers responded, “Yes, your honor, I’m well aware.”
The case has drawn widespread media attention, not only because of Mayers’ fame but also due to his high-profile relationship with Rihanna.the couple, who recently welcomed their second child, have been in the spotlight for years, with their relationship timeline often making headlines.
As the trial progresses, the focus remains on the legal implications for Mayers. The judge’s remarks underscore the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Defendant | A$AP Rocky (Rakim Mayers) |
| Charges | Alleged shooting incident in 2021 |
| Judge’s Remarks | No special treatment due to celebrity status |
| Potential Outcome | Significant prison sentence if convicted |
The trial is set to continue in the coming months, with legal experts closely watching how the case unfolds. For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to reliable news sources.
