Drake named as possible suspect in rapper XXXTentacion’s 2018 murder? That’s what the report says

Rapper XXXTentacion tragically died on June 18, 2018 at the tender age of 20. He was fatally shot outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Now, more than six years after his death, Dedrick Williams, one of three men convicted of his killing, filed an appeal, claiming the late artist’s altercation with Drake could point to an alternative suspect.

Reason Drake is named in XXXTentacion murder case

Williams’ defense attorney Mauricio Padilla discussed the appeal in a Nov. 30 interview with Law&Crime Network.

During the discussion, Padilla pointed out an Instagram post from XXXTentacion shortly before his death. In the post, the rapper allegedly stated that if he was killed, he would be killed by “Champagne Papi” – Drake’s popular Instagram handle.

“Imagine if the dead man had said before he died, if someone kills me, it will be champagne daddy,” Padilla described the post. The statement apparently suggested that Drake may have been involved in the shooting.

XXXTentacion had a history of public feuds

Padilla explained that XXXTentacion, whose real name was Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, had a history of public feuds. His interests included not only Drake, but also other rappers associated with the Canadian singer’s OVO label.

The lawyer noted that many of his client’s witnesses, including other rappers, could testify about the heated exchange between the two men.

According to Padilla, DJ Akademiks warned Onfroy about his ongoing feud with Drake during a conversation in 2018. According to The Express Tribune, Akademiks reportedly told Onfroy that while he wasn’t a “gangster,” he could provoke a dangerous reaction from Drake.

Padilla suggested this provided context to XXXTentacion’s comments about Drake in his now-deleted Instagram post. “If anyone’s trying to kill me, it’s @champagnepapi. I’m betraying RN,” Onfroy wrote at the time.

XXXTentacion’s mother was also aware of his feud with Drake

Padilla also mentioned XXXTentacion’s mother, Cleopatra Bernard, who knew about the alleged feud between her son and Drake. He cited legal documents in which Bernard had pointed out this conflict.

Drake was subpoenaed to testify in the case and was scheduled to testify on Zoom in February last year, but he did not show up.

Padilla asked the court to issue an order requiring Drake’s testimony, arguing that otherwise he would likely not cooperate. “This is one of the biggest celebrities in the world,” Padilla said. “Without an order from this court, we all know that I will never be able to take his statement.”

Dedrick Williams faces life in prison

Dedrick Williams was arrested along with Michael Boatwright and Trayvon Newsome in connection with the 2018 crime. He was later charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery.

The robbery, including the theft of $50,000 in cash, was captured on video surveillance. It was used as evidence during the trial. All three men were convicted in March 2023 and sentenced to life in prison.

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