The murder trial for one of the men charged in rapper Pop Smoke's 2020 death is scheduled for August after plea negotiations fell apart. Corey Walker, the only adult defendant charged in Pop Smoke's murder, appeared in court Friday in Los Angeles after plea negotiations with prosecutors fell apart. The 23-year-old's trial date is now set for August 6 and is expected to last three and a half weeks.
"Negotiations fell through, but there's still a possibility we'll come to an agreement," lawyer Deion Benjamin, who is representing Walker with co-counsel Kellen Davis, told Rolling Stone. "A few things need to be ironed out. If they don't get resolved, we'll go to trial."
What You Will Learn
- Details about Corey Walker's trial and legal status.
- Background on Pop Smoke and his tragic death.
- Insights into the alleged robbery and murder case.
- Information on the juvenile suspects involved in the case.
Biography of Pop Smoke
Born Bashar Barakah Jackson, Pop Smoke was a rising star in the music industry before his untimely death. He gained fame with his unique sound and catchy tracks, quickly becoming a prominent figure in the hip-hop scene. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was shot during a home invasion robbery on February 19, 2020, in Hollywood Hills.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Bashar Barakah Jackson |
| Stage Name | Pop Smoke |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1999 |
| Date of Death | February 19, 2020 |
| Notable Works | Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon; Dior; What You Know Bout Love |
The Events Leading to the Trial
Corey Walker has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder, two counts of robbery, and one count of burglary. He is accused of recruiting three juveniles to rob Pop Smoke and allegedly stayed in the getaway car during the robbery that led to the rapper's death. Detectives wired-tapped Walker's phone and learned that he was involved in other robberies as well.
Pop Smoke's tragic demise shocked fans and the music industry alike. He was only 20 years old at the time of his death and had just started to make a significant impact on the music scene, with his posthumous album reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Who Were the Juvenile Suspects?
In addition to Walker, there were three juveniles involved in the case. One of them, reportedly the 15-year-old shooter, was released from a juvenile detention center after turning 21. In May 2023, he admitted to shooting Pop Smoke during the robbery.
Another juvenile, who was 16 at the time, managed to settle his case and was sent to juvenile lockup. The third suspect, aged 17 during the incident, admitted to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery at a hearing in April 2023. All three were expected to remain incarcerated until they turned 25.
Pop Smoke's legacy continues to resonate with fans, and his music remains popular, highlighting the impact of his brief but significant career.
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