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ASAP Rocky’s Lawyer Claims Prop Gun Used in Alleged Shooting

ASAP Rocky's Lawyer Claims Prop Gun Used in Alleged Shooting

ASAP Rocky’s defense attorney asserted on Friday that the gun involved in the alleged shooting incident was a “prop gun” from a music video shoot, which cannot fire real bullets. This claim was made during the opening arguments of the rapper’s assault trial in Los Angeles, where he faces serious charges.

The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been accused of shooting Terrell Ephron, also known as ASAP Relli, during a confrontation on a Hollywood street corner on November 6, 2021. Once close friends, the two are founding members of the Harlem rap crew ASAP, although they had grown apart in recent years.

In a revealing moment during the trial, attorney Joe Tacopina characterized Mayers as the victim rather than the aggressor. He emphasized that the case could lead to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Tacopina pointed out that LAPD officers found no evidence of a shooting when they responded to the scene following 911 calls. He also questioned how Ephron was able to recover two shell casings after returning to the site an hour later. “What you’ll learn is that Relli returned to that scene an hour later and attempted to fabricate evidence,” Tacopina claimed.

Just before the trial began, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin disclosed late-breaking “ballistic evidence” from the LAPD that suggested the shell casings found at the scene were likely fired from a 9mm handgun, which contrasts with Tacopina’s claims that only a prop gun was involved. This late revelation led Tacopina to request a delay in the proceedings or a restart of jury selection, both of which were denied by the judge.

The investigation has largely relied on Ephron’s testimony, which Tacopina argued was the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case. He labeled Ephron a “perjurer” and claimed the narrative of events hinged solely on his credibility.

In the courtroom, Lewin portrayed Ephron as a victim who sought to mend his friendship with Mayers but was met with unexpected violence. He emphasized that Ephron never thought he would be shot, insisting that the encounter was not one of premeditated aggression.

As the trial unfolds, the focus will remain on the contested narratives from both sides, particularly how the events leading to the shooting are interpreted. The complexities of this case continue to draw attention as it explores issues of friendship, betrayal, and the responsibilities surrounding the use of firearms.

Credit: LA Times

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