XXXTENTACION‘s murder trial is currently underway, and the latest developments in the courtroom include one of the four murder suspects describing in detail what happened, as well as accusing one of his alleged three cohorts of witness intimidation.
Wednesday (February 8) was day three of the trial, and co-defendant Robert Allen took the stand. Allen pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges in August 2022 and was expected to testify against his accomplices in hopes of a lighter sentence – which is exactly what he did.
“As he’s grabbing the bag shots are fired,” Allen told the courtroom. When asked to clarify who fired the shots, Allen responded: “Michael Boatwright.” When asked to confirm who Boatwright allegedly shot, Allen responded, “Triple X.”
Allen also broke down how the $50,000 that X was robbed of was allegedly dispersed among the four co-defendants. After saying he only received $5,000 while Boatwright, Dedrick Williams and Trayvon Newsome each got $15,000, Allen was asked why.
“I wasn’t participating in the robbery,” Allen responded. “[Williams] actually said I wasn’t going to get any money at all.”
Back in August following his plea, Robert Allen’s lawyer explained why his client was taking the position.
“Mr. Allen’s role was much less than the other three involved,” Jim Lewis told NBC Miami. “It was always kind of contemplated that the State was looking to use him as a witness in the case. And finally we came to an agreement and plead to the agreement today.
“Again, his involvement was much less than the others,” he continued. “More of an accusatory after the fact than really part of the planning. Certainly never got out of the car, never had a gun, never shot anybody. And hopefully the judge and the State will take this into consideration.”
On day four of the trial on Thursday (February 9), Allen testified that Newsome was attempting witness intimidation.
Judge Michael Usan asked: “When you were being escorted to the courtroom today did you overhear any comments?” After affirming the question, Allen was asked to say what he heard.
“I heard that I was a police-ass n-gga, I work for the police, I’m doing a white man’s job and I’m a sell out,” Allen said before naming Newsome.
In addition to Allen, the teller from the bank transaction where X took out the $50,000 he was ultimately robbed of while being shot also took the stand. She was asked about the late rapper’s demeanor during their interaction.
“He was fine. He seemed happy,” Cecilia Ramos said.
XXXTENTACION’s step-uncle, who was with him at the time of the murder, also took the stand and broke down as he described his nephew’s death.
During his turn on the stand, Leonard Kerr — who is originally from Jamaica and moved to Florida in 2015 — detailed the deadly robbery that claimed XXXTENTACION’s life and flourishing music career at the tender age of 20.
As previously reported, Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams and Trayvon Newsome are standing trial. If convicted, the three suspects could face life in prison. As affirmed by Allen, authorities believe Boatwright was the assailant who ultimately fired the fatal shots at XXXTENTACION.
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