Two young drill rappers have received life sentences for the murder of a teenager in London, which occurred during a drive-by shooting following a social media dispute.
The victim, Keanu Harker, 18, was fatally shot in the head and chest by Emmanuel Popoola, also 18, while being chased through Enfield in North London. Popoola, known as Constancy, was the pillion passenger on a high-powered electric dirt bike driven by Teyvon Etefia, 18, also known as Take Risks.
The incident was a result of ongoing violent clashes between two rival gangs in Enfield, the 3×3 gang, and the Get Money Gang (GMG). The fatal shooting stemmed from a Snapchat argument where voice messages suggested Popoola couldn’t afford mobile data.
After the murder, the perpetrators boasted about it in drill rap videos. Popoola and Etefia, both from Enfield, have been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 28 years for murder and possessing a pistol with intent to harm.
During the trial at the Old Bailey in London, Judge Anthony Leonard KC emphasized that the victim’s affiliation with a rival gang was not a justification for his murder. The judge pointed out that the decision to kill Harker was personal and stemmed from online insults.
In addition to the main culprits, another drill rapper, Eliezer Mbaki, 25, known as Spider, received a sentence of four years and nine months for obstructing justice.
The court heard that the defendants chased Harker on their e-bike, and Popoola shot him as they rode alongside. Harker succumbed to his injuries at the scene while the culprits fled. Witnesses discovered the victim’s bloodied bicycle, leading them to Harker’s location.
Following the shooting, the perpetrators disposed of incriminating evidence, attempted to flee to France, but were apprehended by the authorities. Popoola boarded a Eurostar train to Paris, where he was captured, with the help of his girlfriend, who was later arrested for aiding a fugitive.
In court, Popoola denied involvement in the shooting, while Etefia claimed he was unaware of the gun. The victim’s mother expressed profound grief, stating her son was manipulated and exploited by older individuals for gang-related reasons.
The victim’s family condemned the callous nature of turning his death into rap lyrics and emphasized that Keanu’s life had value and should not have been taken away. The trial also convicted other individuals connected to the case for obstructing justice, with sentencing pending.
Overall, the court’s decision highlighted the tragic consequences of gang violence and the impact it has on families and communities.