Two males allegedly plotted to kill a rapper acting at a present final week throughout Austin’s South by Southwest Music Festival.
The alleged hit would have taken place at a March 10 present unaffiliated with the competition, in line with an affidavit obtained by Fox 7 Austin.
Many exhibits happen in Austin throughout SXSW that aren’t half of the particular competition, as promoters and performers hope to siphon off among the large crowds which can be on the town. The SXSW competition ends right now.
The alleged homicide plan was foiled by Austin police after they discovered a person at a Sixth Street membership with an unregistered handgun. That man, 38-year-old Pierre Laday Jones, voluntarily instructed police that he knew two individuals who had been planning to kill somebody on March 10, Fox 7 Austin stories. The goal was not recognized, however was allegedly set to testify in courtroom.
Jones and an affiliate, 39-year-old Don Lee Bennett, had been arrested and every charged with a third-degree felony of possession of a firearm by a felon. Jones can be charged with harassment, a Class B misdemeanor.
A 3rd man was additionally named within the affidavit, however has not but been charged with something, in line with Fox 7 Austin.
According to Jones’ account of the plot within the affidavit, Bennett and the third man had been allegedly going to attend a rap present in downtown Austin close to East Sixth Street. Jones allegedly had SXSW VIP credentials to get into the present with out being looked for hid weapons.
SXSW confirmed to Fox 7 Austin that there aren’t any things like VIP credentials, and SXSW badges wouldn’t grant entry to a non-festival efficiency.
Jones instructed police that the boys had been allegedly going to pay him $450 to ship the handgun to them on the live performance.
Austin police initially wished Jones to arrange a gathering with Bennett, however Jones warned them that he and the third man would probably “shoot at officers.” Jones instructed police that the boys had been in possession of at the very least six firearms, together with an AK-47, Fox 7 Austin stories.
SWAT officers had been in the end those who apprehended Bennett at a Sixth Street membership. Because he was discovered with a handgun, and he had a earlier felony conviction for aggravated theft, he was arrested for illegal possession, in line with the affidavit.