The last man involved in the tragic killing of rapper Pop Smoke in 2020, Corey Walker, received a 29-year prison sentence on Friday in Los Angeles. Walker, initially charged with murder, entered a plea deal, admitting to voluntary manslaughter and two counts of robbery. His conviction marks the conclusion of legal proceedings in a case involving three other individuals who were juveniles at the time of the crime.
Walker, the only adult charged, was accused of leading the juvenile accomplices to the rented Hollywood Hills mansion where Pop Smoke was staying. The rapper, on a brief four-day visit to California, had unknowingly revealed his location by posting an image of a gift bag on Instagram, inadvertently showing the address. This lapse led to a break-in that ended with Pop Smoke being pistol-whipped and shot in the back three times by intruders who also stole his Rolex watch, later selling it for a mere $2,000.
Walker accepted his plea deal on February 5, acknowledging his role in the crime. During the court proceedings, he expressed remorse for his actions and thanked his defense team for helping him avoid a harsher sentence.
“Even though the Jackson family isn’t here in court today, I would like to sincerely apologize for my unforgivable actions, although there’s no apology that amounts to the taking of someone’s life,” said Corey Walker.
The three juveniles involved reached separate deals earlier in the legal process. Walker's sentence reflects his leadership role in the crime and his subsequent admission of guilt.
“Today I take responsibility for my dreadful partake in these crimes, and as I begin my road to rehabilitation, I assure you that I will steer clear from negative behavior,” Walker stated.
Pop Smoke's untimely death occurred just months before the release of his debut album "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon," which came out posthumously in July 2020. The album has since become a testament to his talent and potential, which was cut short by the tragic events of February 2020.
