3 missing Detroit rappers found dead in rat-infested apartment were killed in 'gang violence'
DETROIT, MICHIGAN: The death of three missing rappers whose dead bodies were found in a rat-infested apartment in Michigan were 'gang-related,' said police. On January 21, Montoya Givens, 31, Dante Wicker, 31, and Armani Kelly, 27, were reported missing.
The team was set to perform in Detroit at a show in Lounge 31 which was canceled following their disappearance. Bodies of the shooting victims were found in the basement of an abandoned apartment, 10 days after their disappearance.
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Police urge public to help solve the murders
In a tweet on Friday, March 17, the Michigan State Police updated that the triple murder was a 'gang violence-related incident.' The agency wrote, "We know there are a lot of media/social media rumors about this investigation," and added, "While we have to keep some things private, we know a couple of things: There is no one in custody for this homicide. This homicide was not random and had nothing to do with music or a performance."
We know there are a lot of media/social media rumors about this investigation. While we have to keep some things private we know a couple of things:
— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) March 17, 2023
There is no one in custody for this homicide.
This homicide was not random and had nothing to due with music or a performance. 2/
"This was a gang violence-related incident. There are other people that know the details and we need them to come forward. Please call 800.Speak.Up if you have information on this case. Together we can bring closure to these families," authorities tweeted as they urged the public to help solve the fatal shootings.
This was a gang violence related incident.
— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) March 17, 2023
There are other people that know the details and we need them to come forward.
Please call 800.Speak.Up if you have information on this case. Together we can bring closure to these families. 3/
'I don’t know if it’s gang-related or not'
Catina Fogle, mother of Givens' told WDIV-TV, an NBC Detroit-afiliate said her son was trying to get back on track in life. In the incident of the carjacking of a pastor, Givens' served a prison sentence. His mother said she did not know why her son was targetted.
Fogle said, "I have not been watching no news, and I have not been on social media. All I know is that my son was found in that apartment building and dead. I’m just now hearing about them finding, I guess, two or three people that’s supposed to be involved. I have no clue. What everybody is saying that it’s gang-related, I don’t know if it’s gang-related or not,” she added."
Bodies of the victims were discovered in a Highland Park building in the basement of a rat-infested apartment. According to the state Corrections Department, the fatally shot victims served their jail term and at the time when they went missing, Givens and Kelly were on parole, reported the Associated Press.
The aspiring rappers met while they were in prison. The 31-year-old Wicker of Melvindale performed under the alias 'B12' and 27-year-old Kelly of Oscoda used the stage name Marley Whoop.
