Los Angeles judge rules there’s enough evidence for A$AP Rocky’s trial involving A$AP Relli.
A Los Angeles judge ruled on November 20 that A$AP Rocky (real name Rakim Mayers) must stand trial over a 2021 shooting incident involving his friend A$AP Relli (real name Terell Ephron). The decision comes after the judge found sufficient evidence during a preliminary hearing, paving the way for legal proceedings to move forward.
A$AP Rocky, 35, is currently facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The judge based the decision on “the totality of the video and testimony” presented during the hearing.
A$AP Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, addressed reporters outside the court, stating, “We’re not disappointed, not surprised, we expected to go to trial, we’ve been planning for trial all along. Rocky is going to be vindicated when all this is said and done, without question.”
During the preliminary hearing, A$AP Relli testified that an altercation occurred between the two on November 6, 2021. Allegedly, A$AP Rocky pointed a gun at Relli “during a heated discussion,” as stated in a press release from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors show video of Asap Rocky with gun in hand before alleged shooting of Asap Relli
The judge just decided there's enough to take Rocky's case to trial. He'll answer to two counts of first-degree assault with a firearm … arraignment on January 8
🔗:… https://t.co/1hqzS4OVto pic.twitter.com/WNX9GoKyHj— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) November 20, 2023
In a subsequent confrontation, prosecutors claim that A$AP Rocky allegedly fired two shots toward A$AP Relli. Relli’s attorneys, Jamal Tooson and Brian Hurwitz asserted that A$AP Rocky came armed with a semi-automatic handgun without provocation, warning, or justification.
“Unbeknownst to Mr. Ephron, A$AP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun,” stated Relli’s attorneys in a previous statement to Rolling Stone. “After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, A$AP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron.”
Relli reportedly sustained minor injuries to his left hand during the incident.
The trial is set to proceed, and A$AP Rocky maintains his plea of not guilty to the charges.
