A key defence witness within the A$AP Rocky gun assault trial has testified that the alleged sufferer taunted the rapper to “shoot that fake-ass gun”.
A$AP Rocky – actual identify Rakim Mayers – is present process a felony trial in Los Angeles, dealing with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The costs relate to a November 2021 incident the place he’s alleged to have pulled out a gun and fired at his former buddy A$AP Mob collaborator A$AP Relli, aka Terell Ephron. If convicted, Mayers might withstand 24 years in jail.
The trial started on January 24, with prosecutors arguing over eight days of proof that Mayers pointed the gun at Ephron and fired, grazing Ephron’s knuckles.
Mayers has pleaded not responsible and on Friday (February 7), the defence known as on A$AP Twelvyy – actual identify Jamel Phillips – as a witness. Phillips argued that each he and Ephron had been absolutely conscious that the gun in query was a starter pistol that would not fireplace dwell ammunition.
As reported by Rolling Stone, Phillips mentioned in court docket: “[Relli] advised him to shoot that fake-ass gun”.
Throughout his personal testimony, Ephron claimed that he by no means accused Rocky of getting a pretend gun, repeatedly stating that he believed the gun to be actual. He claims an actual bullet grazed his hand.
Phillips’ testimony included statements that he had seen Rocky carry a starter pistol as a deterrent a number of instances earlier than the November 2021 incident, believing he saved it after being the sufferer of crimes himself.
Rocky’s legal professionals have mentioned he fired “two warning pictures” from the “prop gun” in an effort to interrupt up a combat, and allege that Relli’s accusations are rooted in a lie that has been orchestrated for monetary achieve.
“This case is about one man’s lies, jealousy and greed,” Rocky’s lawyer Joseph Tacopina mentioned, referring to Relli because the “supply of all of the proof”. “Girls and gentleman, this case is all about cash. The proof will present it’s nothing greater than a cash seize,” he continued. “The proof will clarify Relli is attempting to leverage a fabricated story to extract cash.”
Rocky’s associate Rihanna has made a number of appearances in court docket in the course of the trial, sitting out of view of the courtroom cameras for the primary time on January 29. The BBC reported that in jury choice, prosecutors requested jurors if the pop star’s connection to the case would influence their capacity to succeed in a good verdict. Whereas some are reportedly followers of the singer, all of them mentioned her presence wouldn’t have an effect on the choice they make.