The legal aftermath of tragically slain rap star Pop Smoke's rise finally seems to be reaching its conclusion. Cory Walker, one of the people found responsible for the rapper's murder in 2020, received a 29-year prison sentence, officially closing the case that rocked Hip-Hop.
Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Jackson, was a breakout young rapper whose songs, including hits like "Dior" and "Welcome to the Party," rapidly launched him into superstardom. But, violently, his life was cut short when a group of intruders entered his Los Angeles rental home in February 2020 to rob him. The home invasion escalated, and the 20-year-old artist was fatally shot.
Cory Walker, one of the defendants who pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the killing, spoke to the court before his sentence was issued. He apologized for his actions and said he was sorry to Pop Smoke's family and his relatives.
"I would like to sincerely apologize for my unforgivable actions, although there's no apology that amounts to the takings of one's life, even though the Jackson family isn't here in court today," Walker said. "I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize to my family for the pain and embarrassment that they have endured every day for the last five years and to give an apology to my community as well."
The judge imposed a 29-year total sentence, with 9 years for the lead charge and an additional 20 years for firearm enhancements. Two of the six-year sentences will be served concurrently, meaning the total remains unchanged. Although Walker's defense did move to waive court fines on the basis of his financial condition, the court instead imposed a restitution fine of $1,000 to stay pending his successful completion of parole.
Walker was not the only participant in the crime. A 20-year-old defendant, who was 15 at the time of the home invasion, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and home-invasion robbery in juvenile court. A second defendant, who was 17 at the time, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and home-invasion robbery. A fourth individual settled and was sent to a post-conviction juvenile living facility.
Pop Smoke's family declined to attend the sentencing, but they did share their thoughts.
"It's over for everyone except for me," she said. "This never ends for me. And that's unfair. I'm grateful they got justice to the maximum extent the law allows…but my life doesn't change. I still don't have my son."
Walker's sentencing represents the last legal conclusion in a case that has haunted the Hip-Hop community for years. Although justice has been served, Pop Smoke's fans, family, and music industry peers miss him dearly. But his legacy lives on through his music, and his influence is undeniable.
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