Corey Walker, the last of four individuals charged in the 2020 murder of rapper Pop Smoke, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and two counts of robbery with firearm and gang enhancements. The 24-year-old entered his plea in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn widespread attention since the young artist’s tragic death.
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson, was fatally shot during a home invasion robbery at a rental property in the Hollywood Hills on February 19, 2020. At the time of the incident, Walker was reportedly the ringleader of the group involved in the crime, which included three juveniles. Investigators believe that the rapper’s social media activity may have inadvertently revealed his location and the valuables he possessed, leading to the fatal confrontation.
Walker’s plea deal resulted in the dismissal of a murder charge against him, and he is now facing a nearly three-decade prison sentence. He is expected to be sentenced to 29 years in prison during a hearing scheduled for February 21. This resolution comes almost five years after the incident that shocked fans and the music industry alike.
In the aftermath of Pop Smoke’s murder, the legal proceedings against the accused have unfolded over several years. The first defendant pleaded guilty to charges related to the case in April 2023 and was sentenced to four years in a secure youth facility. Another defendant, who was just 15 at the time of the shooting, admitted to a juvenile court petition charging him with first-degree murder in May 2023.
The case has highlighted issues surrounding youth violence and the influence of social media on crime. Authorities noted that the events leading to Pop Smoke’s death serve as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with sharing personal information online. As the community continues to grapple with the loss of a promising talent, the legal outcomes of this case may serve as a pivotal moment in addressing similar incidents in the future.