Third arrest made in rapper’s slaying

Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.

The third of four suspects in the shooting death of emerging South Florida rap star XXXTentacion was arrested in rural Georgia at a relative’s house, authorities said Thursday.

The U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Robert Allen, 22, of Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday. He was booked into jail in Dodge County, Georgia, and is being held without bond on a warrant from Broward County, Florida. Broward Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright confirmed the arrest.

Allen and three other men are accused of killing XXXTentacion (ex-ex-ex-ten-ta-see-YAWN) in June. The 20-year-old rap star, whose real name was Jahseh Onfroy, was fatally shot as he left a motorcycle dealership. Officials said a struggle ensued when the rapper’s sports car was blocked by another vehicle, two masked gunmen approached and XXXTentacion was shot multiple times. The gunmen fled with a Louis Vuitton bag containing $50,000.

XXXTentacion, who sported dreadlocks and facial tattoos, was a platinum-selling rising star who tackled issues including prejudice and depression in his songs. He also drew criticism over bad behavior and multiple arrests, including charges that he severely beat and abused his girlfriend.

Last week, a grand jury in Fort Lauderdale indicted Allen along with three others – Dedrick Williams, 22; Michael Boatwright, 22 and Trayvon Newsome, 20 – with first-degree murder and armed robbery charges. Williams and Boatwright are also in custody while Newsome remains at large.

Deputy U.S. Marshal John Edgar told the Miami Herald the fugitive task force received information that Allen was possibly staying with his sister in Eastman, Ga. Officers did surveillance on the sister’s house and she was cooperative when the officers came looking for Allen, Edgar told the Herald.

An attorney for Allen isn’t listed on jail records. An arraignment for Williams, who investigators believe was the getaway vehicle’s driver, is scheduled for Monday and his attorney has said he will plead not guilty. Boatwright entered a not guilty plea Wednesday, according to court records.