Controversial US rapper killed outside motorsports shop in Florida
US rapper XXXTentacion has been shot and killed during an apparent robbery attempt, according to police.
Authorities in Broward County, Florida, said the 20-year-old star, real name Jahseh Onfroy, was leaving a motorsports shop shortly before 4pm yesterday when he was approached by two armed men.
At least one of the men fired a shot before both suspects fled the scene in a “dark-coloured SUV”, said Broward Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Keyla Concepcion, who appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
XXXTentacion was declared dead after being rushed hospital. Fellow rappers and other high-profile figures took to social media to express their grief at the news.
Legal troubles
By the age of 17, XXXTentacion had been charged with possession of a firearm, armed robbery, resisting arrest and Xanax possession. During his second stint in juvenile detention, he beat a cellmate whom he believed to be gay.
XXXTentacion was plagued by issues with the law in the years that followed too.
“At the same time as his career was beginning to flourish, Onfroy entered into a relationship with a woman who he violently abused,” The Guardiansays.
“According to court documents, he variously stomped on her head, held her head, strangled, kicked and punched her. He would also make repeated threats of suicide, often coming close to killing himself in front of her.
“Later, the woman became pregnant and Onfroy continued to brutally beat her and briefly kidnapped her. Onfroy was arrested for these crimes, as well as other charges and placed initially under house arrest and then in prison.”