US rapper Pop Smoke was fatally shot during what is believed to be a home invasion robbery early Wednesday, according to TMZ.
He was 20 years old.
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson, was at a residence in the Hollywood Hills area when, around 4:30 a.m., several men are said to have broken into the home.
According to law enforcement sources cited in the report, the men “fired multiple shots,” ultimately “critically wounding” Pop Smoke. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
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At the time of this writing, the suspects are reported as having left the scene on foot.
They have not been identified. TMZ sources “familiar with the surveillance video” say “at least” four masked men in hoodies are seen entering the house 10 minutes after other intruders bolted shut the front entrance.
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In an update shared later Wednesday, TMZ clarified that the home in question was owned by Edwin Arroyave, husband of Teddi Mellencamp.
Arroyave owns several properties in the Los Angeles area. TMZ also reported that a “party or gathering” had occurred at the house prior to the break-in.
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A separate report from a regional NBC outlet stated that a man was killed in a shooting early Wednesday at a home in Hollywood Hills.
That report, however, stated that their team “has not confirmed details about the deceased individual’s identity.” Sources also told ABC 7 that “detectives determined [the shooting] was gang-related,” though no public announcements on that have been made by law enforcement officials. As many as six people are being sought in connection with the shooting.