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XXXTentacion murder trial: Drake DOESN'T have to appear for deposition as judge quashes subpoena

Drake's attorneys claim that dragging him into the case without any evidence linking him to the crime is 'unreasonable and oppressive'

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA: Drake is not required to appear for the deposition in XXXTentacion's murder trial, ruled a Florida judge who appears to have been persuaded by the rapper's claims that he has no connection to the case.

Judge Michael Usan agreed with Drake's lawyers in a decision made on Tuesday, February 14, and approved an order nullifying a subpoena that would have obliged the celebrity to take the deposition, TMZ quoted a source with knowledge of the proceedings as saying.

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Why was Drake subpoenaed?

MEAWW previously reported, a counsel, Mauricio Padilla, for one of the accused, Dedrick Williams, indicated that Drake aka Aubrey Graham's suspected involvement in the case required further investigation, and Drake had been ordered to participate in a deposition related to XXXTentacion's murder trial. 

Padilla sent Drake a Zoom connection for the deposition without encrypting it, which would have risked Drake's security given his global star profile, according to the documents. Padilla allegedly sent a notice to the court a few days later without specifying the format of the Drake ZOOM interview, as per the records. As a result, Drake alleges that the subpoena was procedurally faulty.

Drake also claimed that his name never surfaced in the investigative files and that there is no indication that he has any relevant knowledge of the matter, according to the motion. He further believes that requesting a deposition is inappropriate. “It would appear, based on the names mentioned on the witness list filed by defendant’s counsel, that the intent to subpoena [Drake] is less for the purpose of discovering relevant evidence and testimony, but instead add more layers of celebrity and notoriety to a tragic and unfortunate event,” the star’s lawyers wrote.

Drake's attorneys say claims are 'unreasonable and oppressive'

Drake's attorneys claim that dragging him into the case without any evidence linking him to the crime is "unreasonable and oppressive." In a filing on Sunday, February 12, Drake's attorney, Bradford Cohen, stated that it was unreasonable to seek a deposition when “no evidence has been provided to substantiate the assertion that the [Drake] in any way contributed to, had knowledge of, or participated in the alleged incident.” and Judge Michael Usan agreed and sided with Drake’s attorneys as reported by Billboard. 

While Padilla may be able to persuade the judge that there is another reason for Drake to be deposed and obtain a second subpoena, time is running out because the trial has already begun. However, Champagne Papi won't be involved right away.

Three of the four alleged co-defendants, Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Devonshay Williams, and Trayvon Newsome, will stand trial. The fourth, Robert Allen, pleaded to charges of second-degree murder in August 2022 and is expected to testify against his companions in exchange for a reduced sentence. 

“[Allen] pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense of second-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. He still faces a life sentence. Obviously, we are hoping for better than that. But his sentence is deferred and it is likely he will be called as a witness in the case against the other three co-defendants,” Allen’s attorney Jim Lewis explained. He continued, “Mr. Allen’s role was much less than the other three involved. It was always kind of contemplating that the State was looking to use him as a witness in the case.”

If found guilty, the three suspects may face life in prison. Authorities believe Boatwright committed the armed robbery outside Riva Motorsports in Deerfield Beach, Florida, on June 18, 2018, during which XXXTentacion was shot and died. They stole $50,000 from a Louis Vuitton bag that X had just withdrawn. The four co-defendants were charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm after their arrest.

'Guilty in my books!'

People were quick to turn to social media with one claiming, "Drake payed the judges off he's guilty in my books!" Another tweeted, "LOCK THAT THUG UP" A third chimed in saying, "Willing to do anything to not show up." A fourth said, "This man will pay god off." Another commented, "like i said from the beginning, whether or not he did it, he won’t have to appear in a courtroom because of his status."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.