Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave has been recently indicted with one count of attempted murder, reports Pitchfork.
Ave—born Roland Collins—was present and (some say) in connection with the shooting that took place late last month at T.I.’s concert in New York City’s Irving Plaza. A total of four people were injured, and one who happens to be Ave’s bodyguard, Ronald McPhatter, was killed. Collins also got shot in the leg. Reportedly, the rapper did not show up to court Thursday afternoon, (June 9).
Still, amidst the charges, Collins’ defense team is adamant on proving he’s indeed innocent. Reports state that the rapper was establishing a scholarship of $10,000 at New Utrecht High School in honor of McPhatter, who excelled at sports there, according to lawyer John Stellar; a check is expected to be taken to the school’s coach.
“We know people don’t want to cooperate with police, so we’re asking them to cooperate with us,” lawyer Scott Leemon told the New York Post. “He (Collins) didn’t shoot McPhatter, he didn’t shoot himself. They are both victims.”
Amidst all the charges and the controversy behind him, Troy Ave is determined to prove his innocence as he recently released a new mixtape from jail titled, Free Troy Ave.
Further details for this case are still pending.