The Murder of XXXTentacion – Armed Robbery in Florida, 2018

The Case at a Glance

On June 18, 2018, American rapper Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy — known professionally as XXXTentacion — was shot and killed during an armed robbery outside the motorcycle dealership RIVA Motorsports in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He was 20 years old. The perpetrators fled the scene with $50,000 in cash. Four men were ultimately charged in connection with the crime, and the main criminal proceedings concluded with convictions and sentencing in 2023.

The Crime

XXXTentacion had arrived at RIVA Motorsports to pick up a motorcycle when he was attacked by armed assailants, who shot him and made off with $50,000 in cash. The robbery was planned and targeted. The perpetrators escaped in a vehicle immediately after the attack. XXXTentacion was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

The sudden death of the young rapper sent shockwaves through the music world and drew widespread media attention.

Investigation

Florida law enforcement launched an investigation that, over the following weeks and months, led to the charging of four men: Michael Sherrell Boatwright, Trayvon Demarcus Newsome, Dedrick Devonshay Williams, and Robert Allen IV. Boatwright was identified as the primary shooter.

Robert Allen IV took a different path from the other defendants. He entered into a separate agreement with prosecutors, under which he testified against the three remaining co-defendants in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Trial and Verdict

The case was heard at Broward County Circuit Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On March 20, 2023, the jury reached its verdict: Michael Sherrell Boatwright, Trayvon Demarcus Newsome, and Dedrick Devonshay Williams were all found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery.

Sentencing took place on April 6, 2023. Michael Boatwright received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 30 years. Newsome and Williams were each sentenced to life without parole. Robert Allen IV, who had testified against his co-defendants, was sentenced to seven years in prison with credit for time already served.

The Case Today

With the sentencing on April 6, 2023, the main criminal proceedings came to a close. Boatwright, Newsome, and Williams are serving life sentences without the possibility of release in the U.S. prison system. Robert Allen IV is serving his reduced sentence. The case is legally concluded in the Florida courts.