One month after rapper Takeoff was killed, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner revealed that a suspect had been detained and charged with his murder.
Patrick Xavier Clark, 33, was detained on the east side of Houston, Texas, on Thursday evening, according to Finner, a day after another guy, Cameron Joshua, 22, was charged with the unauthorized carrying of a weapon in connection with the case.
Takeoff, born Kirsnick Khari Ball, died on November 1 at the age of 28 after being shot and killed in Houston. Quavo, a member of the Migos, was also present but escaped unharmed.
“We lost a fine man,” Finner said, adding that he spoke with Takeoff’s family and thanked them for their patience while the department went through the facts and the investigation in preparation for an arrest.
According to police, the shooting was sparked by an altercation over a “lucrative dice game.”
“I can tell you Takeoff was not involved in the dice game, he was not involved in the outside argument, he was not armed, he was an innocent spectator,” HPD Sgt. Michael Burrow said.
According to Sergeant Burrow, investigators found that Mr. Clark fired the fatal shot using video surveillance, smartphone footage, and other physical evidence.
Mayor Sylvester Turner & Chief @TroyFinner provides an update in the fatal shooting of Kirsnick Khari Ball (Takeoff). https://t.co/0YAEbw91tR
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 2, 2022
Joshua was arrested on Wednesday and is facing a charge of unauthorized carrying of a weapon for reportedly holding a firearm when the rapper was slain when gunshots erupted outside of 810 Billiards & Bowling following a private party, according to CBS News.
“We feel Cameron Joshua has been appropriately charged in this instance, and we’re continuing our investigation into Takeoff’s death,” Matt Gilliam, a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, said in a brief statement following the hearing on Wednesday.
Joshua’s attorney, Christopher Downey, told reporters that he has seen no evidence that his client fired a weapon or had anything to do with Takeoff’s death.
Related News: Will Smith Talks About Rihanna’s Reaction to ‘Emancipation’ After She Saw the Star-Studded Screening of ‘Epic’
Downey stated, “The simple line is… Cameron Joshua did not shoot Takeoff.”
When asked if Joshua knows who shot Takeoff, Downey responded, “I don’t know.” “If we decide to, we will consult with the DA’s office. We’re being charged with crimes right now, and we’re not saying anything.”
According to Houston police, at least two persons fired firearms when Takeoff was slain. According to an autopsy, Takeoff’s major cause of death was “penetrating gunshot wounds of head and thorax into the arm.”
The investigation is still in progress.
Offset, Cardi B, Quavo, and a bevy of other celebrities attended Takeoff’s Celebration of Life earlier this month in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. Drake, Justin Bieber, Da Brat, Gucci Mane, Lil Yachty, Teyana Taylor, and a slew of other celebrities were in attendance.
Takeoff was recalled in his official obituary as “the sweetest soul, with a peace about him and a wise manner way beyond his years.” “Endearing and impressive both on stage and in private life, Takeoff commanded respect wherever his path led him from musicians, family, industry, and peers alike,” the obituary said.
Also Read: 14-year-old Tiktok Star Noodle the Pug of “No Bones Day” Fame Passes Away
Finally, the obituary stated, “There are no words or thoughts that can adequately express how many people loved him and the impact he had on the world.
Takeoff would want the world to recognize the brightness in what he produced and to continue raising each other up and supporting the creations that individuals make.
He’s now up there with the stars he adored and lives on in all of our ethers every day through his music and the love he offered to so many.”
