The Death of Takeoff: A Chronology
The investigation into the tragic death of 28-year-old rapper Takeoff, known by his real name as Kirshnik Khari Ball, has been ongoing since the night of the fatal shooting. According to authorities, Takeoff was shot and killed after a private party at 810 Billiards & Bowling in downtown Houston. Witnesses reported that a large group had gathered near the front door, and the shooting followed an argument that led to shots being fired from at least two guns. As a result, many people fled the scene. At least two individuals were taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, while another man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Immediately after the incident, police confirmed that members of Migos, Quavo, and Takeoff were present at the time of the shooting. Several months later, authorities announced the arrest of Cameron Joshua in connection with the shooting outside the bowling alley. Joshua was charged with illegal possession of a gun at the time Takeoff was shot. Prosecutors said surveillance footage and witnesses placed the 22-year-old at the party with a weapon. However, prosecutors added that Joshua was not believed to have fired the weapon during the Takeoff shooting.
“We believe Cameron Joshua has been properly charged in this case, and we are continuing our investigation into Takeoff’s death,” said attorney Matt Gilliam of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office during a court hearing.
In addition to Joshua’s arrest, police have announced that Patrick Xavier Clark, 33, has been arrested on suspicion of murder during the filming of Takeoff. Clark was arrested as he was preparing to leave the country for Mexico; he had applied for an expedited passport by submitting an itinerary for an “imminent” trip to Mexico, according to court documents. Prosecutors asked a court to set Clark’s bail at $1 million, arguing he was a flight risk, but he was eventually jailed on $2 million bond. Police believe it was Clark’s gunshots that ultimately led to Takeoff’s death.
During a press conference, police described Takeoff as an innocent bystander, saying he was killed after an argument over a “lucrative” dice game, which did not involve him, led to gunfire. The shooting has shocked and saddened many, including Migos’ record label Quality Control, which mourned Takeoff’s death in a statement posted to Instagram. The statement said “senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated.”
Despite the arrests, the investigation into Takeoff’s death continues, and police have asked all witnesses who left the scene to come forward with further information. “Sometimes the hip-hop community gets a bad reputation,” said Chief Finner of the Houston Police Department during a press conference. “I’m calling out to everyone – our hip-hop artists in Houston and around the nation – we need to handle ourselves. There are so many talented men and women in that community that I once again love and respect, and we all need to stand together and make sure no one takes that industry down.”
A makeshift memorial has appeared outside the business area where Takeoff was killed, while the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has opened an investigation into the shooting and is working with local law enforcement to gather evidence and determine what happened. It remains to be seen what consequences this incident will have for the business or the future of the hip-hop industry.
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