Pop Smoke‘s murder suspect, Corey Walker, has accepted a plea deal from prosecutors, bringing an end to almost five years of prosecution, however the late rapper’s mom stays heartbroken.
The plea deal will see Walker serve 29 years in jail, along with his sentencing hearing slated for February 21, 2025.
Pop Smoke, real name Bashar Barakah Jackson, died on February 19, 2020, after hooded individuals broke into the apartment he was staying in and shot him after an altercation.
Article continues below commercial
Pop Smoke’s Murder Suspect’s Plea Deal
On Wednesday, Corey Walker, 24, the one adult charged with Pop Smoke’s murder, reached a plea take care of prosecutors.
Walker was accused of leading three juveniles to the rented Airbnb apartment the rapper was staying in on the morning of the shooting.
Walker pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and residential invasion robbery with gun and gang enhancements and might be sentenced on February 21. He is anticipated to serve a 29-year jail term after his plea deal.
Article continues below commercial
Details Of Corey Walker’s Plea Deal
Based on Rolling Stone, prosecutors dropped a murder charge under the plea deal and added a brand new voluntary manslaughter charge on Wednesday. The newly added charge cites aggravating aspects, including premeditation and extreme cruelty.
Walker also pleaded guilty to the related robbery of a lady present within the apartment.
Prosecutors stated that the manslaughter and robbery convictions each include an additional two-year sentence, which can run alongside the 29-year term.
The plea deal prevented a jury trial that was set to start this week in downtown Los Angeles.
The prosecutors also said Walker and his crew targeted Pop Smoke, 20, after he flaunted money, a thick gold chain, and a diamond-encrusted watch on social media the day before.
Article continues below commercial
The group tracked down the rental home after the deceased Brooklyn rapper by accident posted a photograph showing an address on a present bag label.
Article continues below commercial
Pop Smoke’s Mother Speaks On Case Closure
She doesn’t plan to attend Feb. 21 sentencing. She has a gala that night to rejoice her son’s life:
“I actually have not been holding animosity. I’ve just been getting through this. There’s just nothing to say [at Corey Walker’s sentencing]. Everybody’s life has been ruined”
— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) February 5, 2025
Nancy Dillon, a senior reporter at Rolling Stone, shared a post on X, revealing her conversation with Pop Smoke’s mom, Audrey Jackson.
Although Audrey was grateful for the murder case’s resolution, she still expressed sadness that her son was no more.
Audrey said, “It’s over for everyone except me. This never ends for me. And that is unfair.”
She added, “I appreciate they got justice to the fullest extent of the law. But my life doesn’t change. I still do not have my son. I’ll proceed to work on his legacy, but that is also a reminder that he is not here.”
Audrey doesn’t plan to attend Walker’s sentencing hearing as she is organizing a gala that night to rejoice Pop Smoke’s life.
Article continues below commercial
She shared, “I actually have not been holding animosity. I’ve just been getting through this. There’s just nothing to say [at Walker’s sentencing]. Everybody’s life has been ruined.”
Status Of Others Involved In Pop Smoke’s Death
Before reaching a plea deal, Walker, who was 19 when the crime was committed, was initially charged with murder, robbery, and burglary and faced a life sentence without parole if convicted.
After his arrest in July 2020, prosecutors said he could face the death penalty, but later policies prevented this.
Three juveniles were also charged, including the 15-year-old shooter, who admitted to killing Pop Smoke throughout the home invasion. He received 50 years to life but can only be held until age 25 under California law.
Meanwhile, the opposite two juveniles, ages 16 and 17 on the time of the crime, admitted to lesser charges and were placed in juvenile detention facilities, per reports.
Article continues below commercial
Reactions To Corey Walker’s Plea Deal
View this post on Instagram
He had many hit songs to his name, including the favored “Dior,” so his death broke many hearts, with those feelings worsened after it was discovered that teenagers were behind his murder.
One fan wrote, “Took away among the best upcoming rappers … Pop Smoke was definitely on his approach to the highest.”
One other fan added, “Hope that 29 years is miserable for him.”
A 3rd person shared, “Should’ve been 92 years but ima mind my business. RIP Pop Smoke.”
