In 2016, a shooting at a concert venue in New York City put Brooklyn-based rapper Troy Ave in the middle of a high-profile murder trial. Ronald McPhatter, who was his friend and bodyguard, died because of the event. Troy Ave, whose real name is Roland Collins, was charged with trying to kill someone, putting other people in danger without thinking, and having weapons without a permit.
The case gained widespread attention due to Troy Ave’s public persona and his involvement in the hip-hop industry. The trial went on for a few months, during which time both sides gave the jury their arguments and evidence. The trial was full of drama, with emotional testimony, witness statements that contradicted each other, and tough cross-examinations.
The trial’s outcome had a big effect on Troy Ave’s future and on the hip-hop industry as a whole. It raised questions about the glorification of violence in rap music and the impact it has on society. In the end, the verdict would decide if Troy Ave would be held responsible for the shooting and if the victim and his family would get justice.
Troy Ave Murder Trial
Rapper Troy Ave told a compelling narrative of his life-or-death struggle with competitor Taxstone for the gun that was used to shoot and kill his bodyguard during a 2016 altercation in Irving Plaza on Monday before Manhattan jurors.
The Brooklyn-born musician, whose actual name is Roland Collins, stated during Taxstone’s murder trial that after being shot and hurt during the backstage brawl on May 25, 2016, he made the decision to fight back. Collins, 37, stated in Manhattan Supreme Court, “If it’s fight or flight, I’m always going to fight because, at that point, you may die.
Collins said of their struggle over the gun: “It looks like if you see individuals battle in high school wrestling – that type of stance.” Taxstone is a hip-hop podcaster whose true name is Daryl Campbell.
He said,
“I see the light from the spark and I hear the shot as the shot goes off. “Everything is occurring quickly. As I stand up and try to pull Taxstone down while grabbing the gun, another shot is fired. I raised my leg to deflect the bullet from striking my face or chest.
He told the jury that’s when Campbell shot him twice in the legs.
Collins stated, “I stood up. “I’d rather battle to the death. Leg shootings result in death. I’d rather die in battle than on the floor. I instantly stood up. Collins stated that when he eventually got his hands on the rifle and had his fleeing adversary in his sights, the weapon malfunctioned.
Only then did he realize that Ronald “Banga” McPhatter, his friend and bodyguard, was lying face down on the ground. “Banga, get up. I rolled his body over and said that. Let’s go.” “Come on, dude,” I’m telling him as I smack him. Get up,'” Collins testified. And he was rolling his eyes to the back of his skull. He had been shot, as evidenced by the color of his clothes.
The Source Magazine shared a tweet: “Troy Ave Testifies in Taxstone’s Murder Trial”
Troy Ave Testifies in Taxstone’s Murder Trial https://t.co/vsyjDQY80y
— The Source Magazine (@TheSource) March 14, 2023
During the shooting in the crowded VIP lounge at a T.I. concert, two spectators were also hurt, and Collins was initially charged with attempted murder and gun possession for his involvement in the incident. Campbell, 37, is currently in court facing accusations of murder, attempted murder, assault, and possession of firearms.
Collins’ attorney told The Post that in exchange for his evidence during Campbell’s trial, the prosecution guaranteed him a one-year sentence rather than the 15 years he could have received. After Collins said that he and McPhatter entered the VIP lounge before Collins was set to join T.I. on stage and saw Campbell, the long-simmering rivalry between the two artists allegedly burst into flames that evening.
About 100 people were crammed into the room, according to him, when Campbell yelled, “What’s popping?” in what he thought was a hostile manner. Banga goes to face E and declares,
“I’m going to rock him,” which is another way of saying “I’m going to hit him.” Collins provided testimony. I tell him to “do your thing” as I wink at him.
According to him, Campbell grabbed a gun when he reached for his waistband, starting a scuffle that culminated with McPhatter being fatally shot. Following the incident, Collins claimed that when someone shouted that police were approaching, concertgoers began to evacuate.
He addressed McPhatter as saying, “I’m like, ‘No, f-k that,’ I’m staying with him,” in front of the jury. After authorities claimed to have discovered Campbell’s DNA on the 9-millimeter handgun used in the shooting, Campbell was charged in January 2017.
According to court documents, Campbell told officers following his detention, “I can defend myself as a man, therefore I’m not thinking about rolling with six goons. bang-ba-ba-ba-ba, when I see you coming up with six guys.
I am laughing at rappers because of that, he allegedly remarked. “Rappers. You don’t matter to me. I’m saying, “Try me.”
