The unexpected death of TakeOff, shook not only the hip-hop community but the world. Though bittersweet, it sounds like authorities are one step closer in seeing justice.
Patrick Clark, the man accused of killing Migos rapper TakeOff, has been indicted by a Harris County grand jury on murder charges, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Clark was indicted by a grand jury Thursday morning. (May 25)
Takeoff, whose real name was Kirsnick Khari Ball, was killed on Nov. 1 when gunfire erupted outside of a private party at a Downtown Houston bowling alley. Two others were injured. Police believe the shooting happened after a dice game, but regardless, Takeoff was an innocent bystander. An autopsy later confirmed he died from gunshot wounds to the head and torso. Clark was initially arrested for murder in connection with TakeOff’s death just a month later in December 2022, however this indictment means a grand jury has formally charged him with murder.
According to the warrant reviewed by local Houston news outlets, Police said Clark is seen on video pulling out a gun and firing multiple rounds while holding a wine bottle in the other hand. After the shooting, Clark is seen running to the House of Blues where he left the wine bottle. Fingerprints matched Clark’s when police later had it tested. Clark then went back to the bowling alley before leaving the area.
Investigators said forensics prove Clark is the only person who could have shot and hit TakeOff from where both men were positioned. Clark was arrested during a traffic stop by the HPD Gang Division on Dec. 1. He had a gun on him at the time, but it was not the one used in the murder of TakeOff.
Police spoke to the public the day TakeOff was killed and pleaded with the community for help in finding TakeOff’s killer. Investigators said all the witnesses who gathered after the private party ran away after the shooting and no one had stepped forward to provide them with information on the shooter.
“I just want to say something to our city. Houston and every brother and sister in the neighborhoods,” Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner said on the day of the shooting. “I’m calling you to action, to step up. There were 40 people, at least, at this event and people left, possibly out of fear. I ask you one thing, and I want this to resonate with everybody. What if it was your brother, what if it was your son? You will want somebody to step up, so please step up.”
We’ll keep you posted as this story continues to develop.