Two males allegedly plotted to kill a rapper acting at a present final week throughout Austin’s South by Southwest Music Pageant.
The alleged hit would have taken place at a March 10 present unaffiliated with the pageant, based on an affidavit obtained by Fox 7 Austin.
Many reveals happen in Austin throughout SXSW that aren’t half of the particular pageant, as promoters and performers hope to siphon off a number of the enormous crowds which might be on the town. The SXSW pageant ends at the moment.
The alleged homicide plan was foiled by Austin police once they discovered a person at a Sixth Road membership with an unregistered handgun. That man, 38-year-old Pierre Laday Jones, voluntarily informed police that he knew two individuals who have been planning to kill somebody on March 10, Fox 7 Austin stories. The goal was not recognized, however was allegedly set to testify in courtroom.
Jones and an affiliate, 39-year-old Don Lee Bennett, have been arrested and every charged with a third-degree felony of possession of a firearm by a felon. Jones can be charged with harassment, a Class B misdemeanor.
A 3rd man was additionally named within the affidavit, however has not but been charged with something, based on Fox 7 Austin.
In line with Jones’ account of the plot within the affidavit, Bennett and the third man have been allegedly going to attend a rap present in downtown Austin close to East Sixth Road. Jones allegedly had SXSW VIP credentials to get into the present with out being looked for hid weapons.
SXSW confirmed to Fox 7 Austin that there are not any things like VIP credentials, and SXSW badges wouldn’t grant entry to a non-festival efficiency.
Jones informed police that the boys have been allegedly going to pay him $450 to ship the handgun to them on the live performance.
Austin police initially wished Jones to arrange a gathering with Bennett, however Jones warned them that he and the third man would possible “shoot at officers.” Jones informed police that the boys have been in possession of no less than six firearms, together with an AK-47, Fox 7 Austin stories.
SWAT officers have been finally those who apprehended Bennett at a Sixth Road membership. As a result of he was discovered with a handgun, and he had a earlier felony conviction for aggravated theft, he was arrested for illegal possession, based on the affidavit.