The Tragic Day X Died: Unraveling The Shocking Murder Of XXXTentacion And His Enduring Legacy

The question of "When did X die?" refers to one of the most shocking and tragic events in modern music history: the murder of rapper XXXTentacion. On June 18, 2018, the controversial but hugely influential artist, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was fatally shot in a daylight robbery in Deerfield Beach, Florida, at the age of just 20. This article, updated as of December 18, 2025, provides a deep dive into the circumstances of his untimely death, the complex legal aftermath that has since concluded, and the polarizing legacy that continues to shape the music industry and his millions of fans. The rapper’s sudden passing sent shockwaves across the globe, immediately sparking intense debate over his tumultuous life, his impact on the SoundCloud rap generation, and the senseless violence that claimed his life. The initial tragedy has been followed by years of legal proceedings, posthumous releases, and continuous re-evaluations of his complex public persona.

XXXTentacion: A Complete Biography and Profile

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTentacion (often stylized as X), lived a short but incredibly impactful life. His career was characterized by raw, genre-bending music and a highly publicized, controversial personal life.

• Full Name: Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy
• Date of Birth: January 23, 1998
• Place of Birth: Plantation, Florida, U.S.
• Date of Death: June 18, 2018
• Age at Death: 20
• Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds (Homicide)
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Producer
• Genres: Hip hop, R&B, Emo, Trap, Rock
• Notable Albums: 17 (2017), ? (2018)
• Key Singles: "Look at Me," "SAD!," "Jocelyn Flores," "Changes"
• Legacy: Pioneer of the "SoundCloud rap" movement, known for blending dark, emotional themes with aggressive and melodic styles.
• Controversies: Numerous legal issues, including charges of domestic violence and aggravated battery.

Onfroy began his music career on SoundCloud in 2013, quickly gaining a massive following for his distinct, lo-fi sound and emotionally vulnerable lyrics, which often addressed themes of depression, anxiety, and heartbreak. His rapid rise to fame was often overshadowed by his ongoing legal troubles, creating a deeply polarizing figure in the entertainment world.

The Fateful Day: How XXXTentacion Was Killed in a Daylight Robbery

The details surrounding XXXTentacion’s death are as tragic as they are shocking. On the afternoon of June 18, 2018, X was leaving RIVA Motorsports, a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where he had reportedly just withdrawn a significant amount of cash for a purchase.

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As he was sitting in his black BMW i8 in the parking lot, two armed men approached his vehicle. What followed was a swift and brutal robbery-turned-murder. The assailants blocked his car, and one of them, later identified as Michael Boatwright, opened fire, shooting Onfroy multiple times.

The robbers then stole a Louis Vuitton bag containing approximately $50,000 in cash—money X had planned to use for the motorcycle purchase—before fleeing the scene. Onfroy was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after the attack. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, ruling the manner of death as a homicide.

The brazen nature of the crime, carried out in broad daylight, and the young age of the victim, who was on the cusp of a major career breakthrough, ignited global media coverage and a massive public outpouring of grief from his dedicated fanbase, known as "The Vros."

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Justice for X: The Final Verdict of the Murder Trial

For years following the murder, the question of justice remained central to the narrative of XXXTentacion's death. The investigation quickly led to the arrest of four suspects: Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, Trayvon Newsome, and Robert Allen. The legal proceedings were lengthy and complex, finally reaching a conclusion that brought some closure to his family and fans.

The Key Entities Involved and Their Sentences:

• Michael Boatwright: Identified as the primary shooter. He was found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery.
• Trayvon Newsome: Charged with being one of the armed men who participated in the robbery. He was also found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery.
• Dedrick Williams: Alleged to be the getaway driver and the one who helped plan the robbery. He was found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery.
• Robert Allen: Pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against the other three defendants, receiving a reduced sentence for his cooperation.

In March 2023, a jury convicted Boatwright, Newsome, and Williams of first-degree murder and armed robbery. All three were subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This verdict, which came nearly five years after the tragic event, officially closed the chapter on the criminal investigation into the rapper's death, confirming that the motive was purely financial robbery.

The Enduring and Controversial Legacy of XXXTentacion

Despite his short career and the significant controversy surrounding his personal life, XXXTentacion’s impact on music and youth culture is undeniable. His legacy is a complex tapestry woven with musical innovation, emotional vulnerability, and public misconduct.

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The Musical Impact and Posthumous Success

X was a pioneer of the emo-rap and trap-metal subgenres, influencing a generation of artists with his willingness to experiment with sound and openly discuss mental health.

• Streaming Dominance: Following his death, his single "SAD!" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, a rare posthumous achievement. His music continues to garner billions of streams across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, solidifying his status as a streaming giant.
• Posthumous Releases: His final album, Skins (2018), and the subsequent album Bad Vibes Forever (2019), were released posthumously, featuring collaborations with major artists and continuing his exploration of diverse musical styles.
• Influence on Emo-Rap: Artists frequently cite his raw, unfiltered approach as a major inspiration, highlighting his role in normalizing the discussion of mental health issues in hip-hop.

The Ongoing Conversation: Controversy and Redemption

The conversation around XXXTentacion is inseparable from the serious allegations of domestic abuse and other violent crimes he faced during his lifetime. This duality—the artist who created music that healed millions while allegedly committing acts of violence—continues to divide critics and fans.

For his followers, his music represented a form of catharsis and connection, believing in his attempts at rehabilitation and growth toward the end of his life. For his detractors, his alleged actions make it impossible to separate the art from the artist. His life and death remain a powerful case study in the complexities of celebrity, morality, and artistic genius in the digital age, ensuring that the legacy of Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, or simply 'X,' will be debated for years to come.