ASAP Rocky Set to Face Trial in January for Allegedly Shooting at Former Associate
ASAP Rocky will face trial in January after being accused of firing a gun at his former friend, ASAP Relli A judge's ruling on November 20 confirmed sufficient evidence for the trial to proceed Stay tuned for updates on this high-profile legal case
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ASAP Rocky will face trial in January after being accused of firing a semiautomatic handgun at former friend ASAP Relli.
During a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles on Monday, November 20, Judge M.L. Villar ruled that there is enough evidence for 35-year-old Rocky to proceed to trial. Prosecutors alleged that the rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, aimed and shot a handgun at Terell Ephron, also known as Relli, two years ago. The trial is scheduled for January 8, 2024.
Rocky is charged with two felony counts of assault with a firearm and faces a maximum of nine years in prison if convicted. Despite pleading not guilty in August 2022, Rocky continues to maintain his innocence during the hearing on Monday.
"His attorney, Joe Tacopina, confidently stated to the press outside the courthouse that Rocky will be cleared of all charges. Rocky was detained at the airport in April 2022 while returning from a vacation in Barbados with his girlfriend Rihanna and their two children."
The Los Angeles Police Department has identified the suspect as Rakim Mayers, a 33-year-old Los Angeles resident known as music artist ASAP Rocky. A statement via X (formerly Twitter) was issued after the airport arrest. According to the LAPD, Rocky was allegedly involved in an altercation with an acquaintance in November 2021, during which he reportedly fired a handgun, injuring the victim. After the incident, Rocky and two other men reportedly left the scene, leaving the victim with a minor injury.
Rocky was granted bail of $550,000 and released just hours after his arrest. In August 2022, he made a court appearance, and Relli filed a separate civil lawsuit against him for assault, battery, and emotional distress.
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According to Relli's attorneys Jamal Tooson and Brian Hurwitz, Rocky enticed Relli to a secluded location under the pretense of resolving a disagreement between them. To Relli's surprise, Rocky arrived armed with a semiautomatic handgun. The lawyers stated that during their conversation, Rocky unexpectedly drew the handgun and fired multiple shots at Relli without warning or justification.
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Relli claimed to have received death threats and suffered career damage following the incident. In response, Rocky's attorneys issued a statement denying Relli's account of the events. They specifically denied any responsibility for the alleged damages, stating that any injuries or damages were caused by the actions of someone other than their client.
