A$AP Rocky Trial: Security Footage Allegedly Captures Rapper Fleeing After Shots Fired
In a recent court hearing for the A$AP Relli assault case, A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, faced compelling evidence as security footage allegedly showed the rapper fleeing the scene after firing gunshots. The incident in question took place in 2021 following a dispute outside Hollywood’s The W hotel.
During the hearing on Monday (November 20), an LAPD detective testified that Rocky had discharged two shots at A$AP Relli, born Tyrell Ephron. Rolling Stone reported that security footage compiled from nearby parking garages depicted Rocky in possession of a firearm during an altercation and then hastily escaping around the block by himself.
The footage, some of which was muted, was presented in court with the final video containing sound capturing two gunshot pops around 10 p.m. PT on November 6, 2021, aligning with prosecutor records.
In a rigorous cross-examination, Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, pressed the detective, who admitted that there was no definitive proof showing Rocky firing the shots. Additionally, the LAPD did not recover the alleged firearm, and the bullet shell casings lacked fingerprints connected to the Harlem rapper.
Despite these challenges, the judge ruled that the evidence provided by prosecutors was sufficient to proceed with the assault charges. Rocky is scheduled to be arraigned on January 8, with a trial to follow.
The tensions between A$AP Rocky and A$AP Relli reportedly escalated after Rocky allegedly failed to fulfill a promise to help the family of a deceased A$AP Mob member. The confrontation on November 6, 2021, at a Los Angeles hotel resulted in Ephron claiming that Rocky, accompanied by multiple men, threatened him with a gun before shooting him four times, including once in the hand.
In addition to facing assault charges, Ephron is suing A$AP Rocky and his lawyer, Joe Tacopina, for defamation. Ephron alleges that Tacopina orchestrated a media campaign against him, portraying him as a liar.
Rocky, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in August 2022, remains out on a $550,000 bond. If convicted as charged, the A$AP Mob co-founder could potentially face up to nine years in prison.
