A judge determines there is sufficient evidence to proceed with trial where the 'L$D' rapper will face two counts of first-degree assault with a firearm for allegedly shooting his former friend A$AP Relli.
- Nov 21, 2023
AceShowbiz - A$AP Rocky will stand trial for the shooting case involving former fellow A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli. A judge ruled on Monday, November 20 that the rapper will face trial in January for allegedly firing a semi-automatic handgun at his former friend after a heated discussion in a November 6, 2021 incident in Hollywood.
During a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles on Monday, Judge M.L. Villar determined that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial, where the New York native, whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, will answer to two counts of first-degree assault with a firearm. An arraignment is set on January 8, 2024.
Earlier during the hearing, Detective Frank Flores took the stand and new surveillance video was unveiled. In the new footage, prosecutors claimed they saw Rocky holding a gun during a physical altercation with Relli before two loud pops, which they believe the sound of Rocky shooting, were heard but not seen. The LAPD detective confirmed cops obtained the video during the course of their investigation.
Police body cam video was also shown in court and it shows at least 7 officers arriving at the scene of the alleged shooting and canvassing for evidence, but they never find the weapon. Meanwhile, the two shell casings Relli collected from the scene and turned into police two days later had no fingerprints.
During a previous hearing Relli claimed that Rocky put a gun to his stomach and threatened to kill him before pulling the trigger. Relli said Rocky shot his hand. He also said that he came back to the scene later that night and recovered the 9mm shells. Rocky's lawyers questioned him how he could easily find the casings when the cops could not.
Rocky has pleaded not guilty to both charges. Following the judge's decision on Monday, his lawyer Joe Tacopina remains optimistic as he said outside the courthouse, "I am certain Rocky will be vindicated of all of this."
