A jury reached a verdict, final week, within the federal trial of the Bronx rapper Kay Flock. The 21-year-old musician, born Kevin Perez, was discovered responsible of racketeering conspiracy; tried homicide and assault with a lethal weapon in assist of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in relation to tried homicide and assault. As well as, Kay Flock was discovered not responsible of homicide in assist of a racketeering enterprise.
Kay Flock was arrested in December 2021 and charged with murdering a 24-year-old man named Hwascar Hernandez. The rapper’s case was moved to federal court in February 2023 as the federal government alleged that Kay Flock was a member of a gang referred to as “Sev Facet” or “DOA” (brief for “Lifeless on Arrival”) that was committing racketeering crimes.
In a statement launched after the federal jury reached its verdict, Matthew Podolsky, the performing U.S. lawyer for the Southern District of New York, mentioned, “Perez can now not conceal behind his music, and as an alternative will probably be held to account for his violent crimes.”
In an audio message posted on Instagram, Kay Flock thanked his supporters, his attorneys, and the federal decide presiding over his case. He particularly shared his gratitude for lawyer Michael T. Ashley. In a press release shared with Pitchfork, Ashley wrote:
In the present day begins a brand new part of an extended and difficult authorized journey for my shopper, Kevin Perez higher often known as Kay Flock, who was just lately convicted on fees of Racketeering Conspiracy, Violent Crimes in Assist of Racketeering, and a Firearms Offense. We respect the decision reached by the jury, it’s nevertheless vital to notice that my Mr. Perez was acquitted of essentially the most severe cost—Homicide in Assist of Racketeering—a cost that carried with it a compulsory life sentence.
All through the previous few weeks, now we have witnessed my shopper’s energy, resilience, and willpower to combat for justice. Whereas the end result on some counts might not be what we had hoped for, we stay targeted on his future. We’ll proceed to pursue all avenues obtainable, together with an enchantment, to make sure that my shopper’s rights are protected and to problem the parts of the decision we consider are towards the burden of the proof.
Within the face of his trial, Kevin Perez has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his household and neighborhood, and this conviction, whereas a setback, doesn’t outline who he’s or the potential he has transferring ahead in life and in his music profession. This case has underscored the significance of due course of and the authorized system’s skill to supply a chance for honest analysis, and we’re optimistic about what the following steps will deliver.
Thanks to everybody who supported Mr. Perez by means of this troublesome course of. We stay hopeful that the appellate course of will end in a fairer final result, and I’m dedicated to advocating tirelessly on behalf of my shopper.
Kay Flock is due for sentencing on Wednesday, July 16, in line with the New York Post and XXL.
