Gerard Woodley, a man suspected of killing famed lyricist Big L in 1999, was fatally shot in Harlem on Thursday (June 23), the New York Daily News reports.
The 46-year-old was shot in the head and back following a heated argument outside of his home around 11:15 p.m. A resident in the neighborhood, Iesha Sekou, said she heard three shots firing “back to back.” The motive behind the shooting is still unclear.
Woodley previously spent time in prison on a series of gun charges, most recently in 2011 for illegal gun possession. After spending five years in prison, Woodley was ordered to remain on parole until 2020. He was never convicted of Big L’s murder due to a lack of evidence, and dodged convictions on two separate murders in February 1990 and January 1996.
Woodley’s sibling, Thomas Riley, stated that he and Big L, born Lamont Coleman, were close friends. Woodley even appeared on the back cover for Big L’s Lifestyles Ov Da Poor & Dangerous. Sources state Woodley sought revenge after falling out with Big L, leading to his death.
An investigation is still ongoing.