Rapper Cassidy can face a trial on a third-degree murder charge, but not first-degree murder, for allegedly taking part in an ambush that left one person dead, a Philadelphia judge ruled yesterday (Aug. 16).
Authorities allege that Cassidy, whose real name is Barry Reese, was one of several men who riddled a van with gunfire as it headed down a side street behind the rapper’s home in the West Oak Lane neighborhood on April 15. The van was fired upon at least 30 times by four different guns including assault rifles, authorities said.
The victim had been in an earlier altercation with Cassidy and had gone to his home to make peace, a witness previously testified. Killed in the shooting was Desmond Hawkins, 22, authorities said.
Municipal Judge Marsha Neifield concluded that prosecutors only had enough evidence to try Cassidy, 22, on charges including third-degree murder, attempted murder and weapons offenses. Testimony in the case was heard last month but the judge was waiting for ballistics analysis to be completed.
Assistant District Attorney Deborah Watson-Stokes said she would appeal the charge reduction, which allows Cassidy to request to be released on bail. Defendants charged with first-degree murder typically aren’t granted bail.
Neifield set bail at $2.5 million but ordered Cassidy to remain behind bars pending the appeal. He has been held without bail since he turned himself in to authorities on June 17.
Cassidy’s lawyer, Fortunato Perri Jr., refused to comment after the hearing. He has said his client is innocent of the charges.
The rapper’s latest album, “I’m a Hustla,” was released June 28 by Full Surface/J.
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