Beyoncé theft suspect rejects plea deal, heads to trial over stolen unreleased music, laptops, and tour plans from Atlanta rental car.
- May 9, 2026
AceShowbiz - The legal case involving the theft of unreleased music from Beyoncé’s team is moving forward as the accused, Kelvin Evans, has declined a plea deal and is preparing to face trial.
Evans is charged with felony entering an automobile and misdemeanor criminal trespass after allegedly stealing valuable items from a rental vehicle in Atlanta. The incident occurred on July 8, 2025, just two days before Beyoncé’s first "Cowboy Carter" tour stop in the city.
According to reports, the theft involved breaking into a Jeep Wagoneer parked on Krog Street, where two suitcases were stolen. These suitcases contained jump drives with unreleased, watermarked Beyoncé music, as well as show footage, plans, past and future set lists, two laptops, designer sunglasses, and Apple AirPods Max headphones.
Authorities tracked the stolen items using GPS technology, which indicated movement to three locations: Hank Aaron Drive, Longreen Terrace, and North Avenue in Hapeville. Surveillance footage and license plate analysis helped police identify the vehicle involved in the theft.
During a traffic stop, the vehicle’s driver was arrested on marijuana possession charges but cooperated with investigators. She informed police that her uncle, Kelvin Evans, had used the vehicle and mentioned seeing four black suitcases in the back, though she did not question their contents. Warrants confirmed that the GPS locations linked back to Evans.
Evans was arrested months after the theft and has remained in custody since August 26, 2025. Prosecutors previously offered a plea deal that included five years imprisonment for the felony charge and a concurrent twelve-month sentence for criminal trespass. However, Evans rejected this offer.
On Wednesday, Evans told the judge he is ready to proceed to trial, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta. Due to Evans’ status as a convicted felon, the prosecution intends to seek the maximum sentence of six years if he is found guilty.
The case highlights the serious legal consequences surrounding the theft of high-profile unreleased music and related property. As the trial approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see how this theft involving one of the world’s biggest music stars unfolds.
