DNA of Podcaster Taxstone Discovered on Handgun In Irving Plaza Shootout
UPDATE (1/17/17, 10:15 a.m.): According to The New York Times, DNA from well-known hip-hop podcast personality Taxstone was discovered on the semi-automatic handgun from the May 2016 Irving Plaza shootout.
A federal complaint lists the trigger, hand grip and magazine as the parts of the Kel-Tec weapon on which officials obtained Taxstone’s DNA, NYT reports. The site adds that the complaint says Taxstone was in possession of the firearm before shots rang out and alleged footage shows him entering the green room where the shooting took place and then leaving. Ronald “Edgar” McPhatter, who suffered fatal gunshot wounds, had been reportedly standing in front of Taxstone. McPhatter was also the close friend and bodyguard of Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave, who faced multiple charges from the incident. NYT reports that Troy appeared to be standing behind Taxstone in the footage as well and fired the Kel-Tec handgun at Taxstone as he fled.
This story is developing.
Original story:
Hip-hop podcast personality Taxstone, real name Daryl Campbell, was arrested on Monday (Jan. 16) for his involvement with the Irving Plaza shooting that left one dead in May 2016, NBC reports.
According to the site, a federal warrant for Taxstone had been active, which charged him with felony possession of a firearm and he was being pursued by NYPD in connection to the violent incidents that unraveled at the Irving Plaza shootout. As reported by NBC, the “Tax Season” podcaster was arrested in Brooklyn by officials of the U.S. Marshals New York and New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, as well as the NYPD.
Recalling details of the venue shooting, where T.I. was scheduled to perform and was in attendance before shots rang out, Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave was among the first arrestees following the incident. A video that surfaced showing Troy blasting off shots from a weapon landed him on several charges, including attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. He had also reportedly shot himself in the leg by accident and his longtime friend and bodyguard, Ronald "Edgar" McPhatter, fatally succumbed to gunshot wounds after the shooting as well.
At the time of this report, statements from Taxstone, nor any members of his team, have yet to be released.