“Masters” in the Murder of Pop: Syuta Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison

Sentence For Murder

One of the four individuals accused in connection with the murder of rapper Pop Smoke in 2020 was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

Details of the Incident

Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Jackson, was fatally shot in a rented Hollywood Hills home during a robbery in February 2020. He was just 20 years old. The group reportedly invaded the Airbnb where the rapper was staying in Los Angeles with the intent to steal expensive items, including a diamond-studded Rolex watch and a Cuban link chain. They managed to steal a watch, which was allegedly resold for $2,000 (approximately £1,405).

On Friday (February 21), 24-year-old Corey Walker received a 29-year prison sentence in a Los Angeles courtroom. This verdict came two weeks after Walker was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and armed robbery with gang enhancements during a hearing earlier this month.

According to Katya Stone, Walker expressed that he was “deeply remorseful” during the sentencing. He apologized to the family of the late rapper, stating, “Even though the Jackson family is not present today, I sincerely apologize for my unforgivable actions, as there are no excuses that can equate to taking a life. I would also like to apologize to my own family for the pain and embarrassment they have endured over the past five years, as well as to my community.”

Walker, who initially faced a life sentence, later accepted a plea deal that reduced his charges to voluntary manslaughter, resulting in a 29-year prison term. He also mentioned that he would “take responsibility” for his role in the crime.

As for the three other individuals involved in the shooting, a 19-year-old (who was 15 at the time of the incident) admitted in 2023 to having shot and killed Pop Smoke. He will remain in a juvenile detention center until he turns 25.

Another co-defendant pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in April 2023. Having been 17 during the 2020 shooting, this individual was also sentenced in juvenile court to four years and two months in a juvenile facility.

The final suspect involved in the shooting, Kindre Rogers, who was 18 during the incident, was initially charged with murder; however, his case is currently under review.

Commenting after the sentencing on Friday, Deputy District Attorney Hilary Williams stated about Walker: “Corey Walker was not an innocent participant in this. He was the mastermind behind the planning, driving, and supplying weapons to minors. He scouted the residence earlier that night and switched cars to ensure that the vehicle he was driving was suitable for transporting more individuals to invade Mr. Jackson’s home and violate the rights of him and his friends. Mr. Walker knew exactly what he was doing.”

Following Jackson’s death, the hip-hop community mourned the loss, with tributes pouring in from artists like Joey Bad$, Pusha T, 50 Cent, Fivio Foreign, and many more. Jackson’s posthumous debut album, “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon,” was released in 2020, followed by the second posthumous album “Faith” the next year, featuring collaborations with Rick Ross, 21 Savage, TakeOff, Future, Dua Lipa, Pharrell, Kid Cudi, and others.