Los Angeles Police Department reportedly pursuing a suspect in fatal shooting of Nipsey Hussle
A source speaking on the condition of anonymity claims the suspect is someone the slain rapper knew.
The Los Angeles Police Department continues its investigation into the fatal shooting of Nipsey Hussle. The 33-year-old rapper-entrepreneur was shot and killed on Sunday (March 31).
According to the New York Daily News, homicide detectives in Los Angeles are now pursuing a suspect. As reported, the suspect is “in [the LAPD’s] sights” but is not in police custody at this time.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source claims the suspect is someone who the slain rapper knew personally.
As reported, Nipsey’s death may end up being classified as “gang-related” given that the rapper had a prior gang affiliation. According to the New York Daily News’ source, it doesn’t appear that the shooting was conducted by a “rival gang” as much as a personal “deal gone wrong.”
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Nipsey was shot multiple times around 3:20pm outside of his Marathon clothing store on Slauson Avenue. The shooter opened fire at a close range before bolting to a getaway car. Two others were wounded in the shooting. Paramedics took Nipsey to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
At the time of this report, police are working on figuring out a motive for the shooting, as well as are continuing to pursue the alleged gunman.
On Monday (April 1), Nipsey was scheduled to meet with Los Angeles police to discuss a plan of action pertaining to how to combat gang-related violence. According to Los Angeles Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff, the meeting is still being held as planned.
Soboroff also dismissed the suggestion the scheduled meeting had anything to do with the rapper’s death.
“Nobody knew. I can’t imagine he was walking around town saying he was going to have this meeting. Nobody knew about the meeting,” Soboroff shared in a statement. “It’s such a sad loss. We’ve been working on the meeting for three months. All I know is that he seemed to have so many great ideas on his mind, and we are very receptive to community policing programs in at-risk areas. He wanted to help under-served youth and adults. It’s just unbelievable.”
Soboroff also noted his hope for authorities and the community in Los Angeles to continue carrying Nipsey’s mission and legacy forward.