XXXTentacion Death: Chronology, and Motive for His Murder

On a quiet afternoon in June 2018, the music world was shaken by the sudden and tragic death of Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, better known as XXXTentacion. He was only 20 years old when he was gunned down in broad daylight outside a Florida motorcycle dealership. 

His death sparked global mourning, legal trials, and ongoing questions about justice, legacy, and the fragile line between fame and vulnerability. More than just a loss for fans, his murder left behind a complicated legacy and a family still grieving. 

This article explores the full chronology of XXXTentacion’s death, the motive behind his murder, and what happened to the men responsible.

How XXXTentacion Died

On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was leaving RIVA Motorsports in Deerfield Beach, Florida, after shopping for motorcycles. 

Shortly after entering his BMW i8 with his step-uncle, a dark-colored Dodge Journey SUV blocked the rapper’s car. Two masked men exited the SUV and confronted him with guns, demanding his valuables.

XXXTentacion, who had just withdrawn $50,000 in cash from a Bank of America earlier that day, was carrying the money in a Louis Vuitton bag. A brief physical struggle broke out. His attackers failed to take the chain from his neck, but one of them, Trayvon Newsome, grabbed the bag from the car. 

As the robbery seemed to end, Michael Boatwright stepped forward again, raised his rifle, and shot XXXTentacion multiple times through the window.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, XXXTentacion was pronounced dead at 4:51 p.m. that afternoon. News of XXXTentacion dead in such a violent and public way spread quickly, and footage of his lifeless body in the car circulated online, sparking outrage and heartbreak from fans worldwide.

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XXXTentacion Death Chronology

The day began like any other. Around midday on June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion withdrew money from a bank in Coconut Creek, Florida. The amount was intended to be $250,000, but the bank only had $50,000 available at the time. 

He was then followed by four men in a rented SUV: Dedrick Williams, Robert Allen, Michael Boatwright, and Trayvon Newsome.

When XXXTentacion arrived at RIVA Motorsports, Williams and Allen entered the store after him to confirm it was indeed the rapper. 

Security footage later showed the men purchasing black masks from the dealership. After about half an hour, XXXTentacion exited the dealership and returned to his car.

As he was pulling out of the parking lot, the SUV pulled in front of him, cutting him off. Newsome and Boatwright then jumped out with weapons drawn. After stealing the bag of money and attacking him, Boatwright took the fatal shot.

The men fled the scene. Shortly after, police began investigating using surveillance footage, social media, and eyewitness reports.

Who Killed XXXTentacion?

Four men were charged in connection with XXXTentacion’s murder:

• Michael Boatwright – identified as the gunman who shot and killed XXXTentacion.

• Trayvon Newsome – one of the two men who approached the vehicle with weapons and stole the bag.

• Dedrick Williams – the driver of the SUV who initially spotted XXXTentacion at the dealership and initiated the plan.

• Robert Allen – an accomplice who later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against the others.

Within days of the murder, Dedrick Williams was arrested based on surveillance footage and clothing that matched his Instagram posts. Robert Allen was arrested the following month, and Boatwright and Newsome were apprehended shortly after.

In 2022, Allen entered a plea deal and testified in court. His testimony revealed that the group had planned a robbery that day and made a last-minute decision to target XXXTentacion when they saw him at the dealership.

On March 20, 2023, a jury convicted Boatwright, Newsome, and Williams of first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. On April 6, they were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. 

Allen was sentenced to seven years in prison and 20 years of probation but was released in October 2023.

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Public Reaction to XXXTentacion's Death

News of XXXTentacion’s death sparked immediate and widespread reaction. Tributes from fans and fellow artists poured in across social media. 

An impromptu memorial in Los Angeles drew hundreds of young fans, many of whom felt deeply connected to his music, which often touched on themes of depression, isolation, and personal growth.

An official memorial service was later held in Florida at the BB&T Center, where fans were invited to pay their respects. He was laid to rest in a private funeral attended by family and close friends.

Despite his musical influence, XXXTentacion's legacy remains complicated. At the time of his death, he was facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery of a pregnant woman and witness tampering. His attorney stated that he had been working to change his life and was in the process of resolving his legal matters.

His death also came just weeks after he announced he was expecting his first child. His son, Gekyume Onfroy, was born on January 26, 2019. The name was chosen by XXXTentacion before his death and symbolized a new state or evolution of thought.

Conclusion

XXXTentacion’s death marked one of the most shocking moments in modern music history. His murder was not a random act of violence but a targeted robbery that spiraled into cold-blooded homicide. 

The four men responsible were brought to justice, but the loss of the 20-year-old artist left an irreplaceable gap in the lives of his loved ones and millions of fans.

Even years later, the image of XXXTentacion’s dead body and the abrupt way he was taken from the world continue to haunt the internet and public memory. 

While his musical legacy lives on, the story of his death serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities that fame can carry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How old was Xxtentacion?

A: XXXTentacion, whose real name was Jahseh Onfroy, was 20 years old when he was fatally shot in Broward County.

Q: Did Xxtentacion have a child?

A: Yes, XXXTentacion had a son named Gekyume Onfroy, who was born seven months after his death in 2019. His mother is Jenesis Sanchez.

Q: What was Xxtentacion's number 1 song?

A: His number one song was "SAD!". It was the only one of his songs to reach the top 10 during his lifetime, and it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 a week after he passed away in June 2018.

Q: What was the relationship between Billie Eilish and Xxtentacion?

A: Billie Eilish and XXXTentacion were friends. Eilish expressed sorrow over his death, performed a tribute song for him, and they supported each other's music before his passing.

Q: Where is Xxtentacion's grave?

A: XXXTentacion's grave is located at The Gardens of Boca Raton - Cemetery & Funeral Services in Boca Raton, Florida, United States. He was buried there on June 28, 2018.