Pop Smoke murder case faces trial delay as negotiations stall

Four years after his tragic death, Pop Smoke's case remains unresolved, leaving fans and family in limbo.

February 2024 marked the somber four-year anniversary of the death of Bashar Barakah Jackson, known to the world as Pop Smoke. 

The young rapper's murder sent shockwaves through the rap community, leaving fans and family members grappling with the loss.

Since then, Jackson's family has been candid about their ongoing grief and the impact of his untimely death. 

The conclusion of the murder trial has been anticipated as a potential step toward closure. However, according to Rolling Stone, the legal proceedings have hit a significant snag.

On June 21, Rolling Stone reported that negotiations involving Corey Walker, the only defendant being tried as an adult in connection with Pop Smoke's death, have reached an impasse. 

Deion Benjamin, Walker's attorney, expressed this setback in a statement to the publication: "Negotiations fell through. But there’s still a possibility we’ll come to an agreement. A few things need to be ironed out. If they don’t get resolved, we’ll go to trial."

While Walker's legal fate remains uncertain, the outcomes for the other two alleged assailants have been determined. 

In April 2023, one defendant pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, followed by another in May who reportedly pleaded guilty to participating in the incident.

In an interview with ABC News, Jackson's mother, Audrey, reflected on her emotional journey since her son's passing: "It didn’t sink in. And as I was moving through, it still wasn’t… It didn’t hit until I actually saw his body, which was a few days in. Intellectually, I understood. And that kind of is still where I am. Intellectually, I understand it. The rest of me hasn’t."

Amidst these emotional and legal challenges, jury selection for Corey Walker's trial is scheduled to commence on August 6.