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 help 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 help 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 docket 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 an announcement 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 might 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 choose presiding over his case. He particularly shared his gratitude for lawyer Michael T. Ashley. In an announcement shared with Pitchfork, Ashley wrote:
In the present day begins a brand new part of a protracted and difficult authorized journey for my consumer, Kevin Perez higher often called Kay Flock, who was lately convicted on fees of Racketeering Conspiracy, Violent Crimes in Help of Racketeering, and a Firearms Offense. We respect the decision reached by the jury, it’s nonetheless vital to notice that my Mr. Perez was acquitted of probably the most severe cost—Homicide in Help of Racketeering—a cost that carried with it a compulsory life sentence.
All through the previous few weeks, we now have witnessed my consumer’s energy, resilience, and dedication to struggle 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 accessible, together with an attraction, to make sure that my consumer’s rights are protected and to problem the parts of the decision we imagine are towards the load 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 capacity to offer a possibility for truthful analysis, and we’re optimistic about what the subsequent steps will carry.
Thanks to everybody who supported Mr. Perez by means of this troublesome course of. We stay hopeful that the appellate course of will lead to a fairer final result, and I’m dedicated to advocating tirelessly on behalf of my consumer.
Kay Flock is due for sentencing on Wednesday, July 16, based on the New York Put up and XXL.
