The Tragic Final Chapter: 5 Shocking Details About XXXTentacion's Cause Of Death And The Convictions

The shocking death of rapper XXXTentacion continues to resonate with fans and the music industry years later, but the legal saga has finally concluded. As of December 18, 2025, the definitive cause of death for the polarizing artist, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, is confirmed to be homicide resulting from multiple gunshot wounds sustained during a brazen armed robbery in Deerfield Beach, Florida, in June 2018. The most crucial and recent updates focus not on the event itself, but on the final, definitive sentencing of the four men responsible, which closed the book on one of modern hip-hop's most tragic and high-profile criminal cases. The emotional and complex murder trial reached its final conclusion recently, providing closure to the Onfroy family and the global fanbase. This article dives deep into the facts of the rapper's final moments, the controversial life that preceded it, and the details of the court proceedings that led to life sentences for the primary perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy: A Brief and Controversial Biography

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTentacion, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter whose career was as brief as it was tumultuous. Born on January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida, he rose to prominence with a dark, emotional, and genre-blending musical style that quickly defined the "SoundCloud rap" era. His artistry was characterized by a raw, unfiltered exploration of depression, anxiety, and alienation, which struck a powerful chord with his young audience.

Key Biographical Details and Career Timeline

• Full Name: Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy
• Born: January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida
• Died: June 18, 2018, in Deerfield Beach, Florida (Age 20)
• Cause of Death: Murder by multiple gunshot wounds
• Genre Fusion: Known for blending genres including emo, trap, hip-hop, indie rock, R&B, and nu metal.
• Breakthrough: His song "Look at Me!" went viral on SoundCloud in 2016, launching his career.
• Major Albums: 17 (2017) and ? (2018), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
• Legacy: Despite numerous legal issues and personal controversies, his music remains highly influential, leaving a significant posthumous impact on contemporary music.

XXXTentacion’s musical output was highly versatile, often switching from aggressive, distorted rap to acoustic, melancholic ballads within the same album. This emotional depth and willingness to experiment cemented his status as a unique and innovative figure in hip-hop, even as his life was plagued by serious legal troubles, including charges of aggravated battery and false imprisonment.

The Definitive Cause of Death: Armed Robbery and Fatal Gunshots

The death of XXXTentacion was not a complicated mystery; it was a premeditated, violent armed robbery that escalated into murder. The incident took place on the afternoon of June 18, 2018, outside Riva Motorsports, a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Broward County, Florida. The rapper had just withdrawn a large sum of cash—approximately $50,000—from a bank before heading to the dealership to purchase a motorcycle.

Timeline of the Fatal Incident

The events leading to the fatal shooting were captured on surveillance video and detailed extensively during the subsequent trial.

1. The Stalking: The four perpetrators—Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, Trayvon Newsome, and Robert Allen—were at the dealership at the same time as Onfroy. They allegedly recognized the artist and noticed the large amount of cash he was carrying in a Louis Vuitton bag.
2. The Ambush: As XXXTentacion prepared to leave in his black BMW i8, two armed men, later identified as Boatwright and Newsome, blocked his car.
3. The Robbery: The assailants demanded the money, which led to a brief struggle. The men successfully snatched the bag containing the $50,000.
4. The Shooting: Michael Boatwright, identified as the gunman, fired multiple shots into the vehicle at close range, striking Onfroy.
5. The Escape: The robbers fled the scene in an SUV. XXXTentacion was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a local hospital. The official cause of death was ruled a homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds.

The brutal nature of the crime—a young man killed for a briefcase of cash—shocked the world and immediately launched a massive manhunt for the suspects.

Justice Served: The Final Verdicts and Sentencing of the Killers

The years-long legal battle culminated in a high-profile trial that concluded with the conviction and sentencing of the four men involved in the murder conspiracy. The trial provided the most recent and definitive update on the case, bringing the criminal proceedings to a close.

The Four Men Involved and Their Sentences

The prosecution successfully argued that all four men were equally responsible for the crime under Florida's felony murder rule, as the killing occurred during the commission of an armed robbery.

• Michael Boatwright (Gunman): Found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
• Trayvon Newsome (Second Armed Robber): Found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon. He was also sentenced to life in prison without parole.
• Dedrick Williams (Driver/Planner): Found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon. He received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
• Robert Allen (Cooperating Defendant): Allen was the fourth man in the getaway vehicle. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon. Due to his cooperation with the prosecution and testimony against the other three, he was sentenced to only two years in state prison, with credit for time served.

The sentencing in 2023 marked the final official chapter in the murder of XXXTentacion. The life sentences imposed on Boatwright, Newsome, and Williams underscored the severity of the crime and the principle that all participants in a violent felony are held accountable for the resulting death.

The Posthumous Legacy and Undiminished Influence

Despite his short life, XXXTentacion's career left a vast and complicated legacy. His music continues to be streamed millions of times daily, and his albums have achieved significant commercial success posthumously. The rapper’s influence is evident in the current generation of artists who blend rock, emo, and hip-hop elements, often citing him as a major inspiration. The finality of the court proceedings, while confirming the tragic cause of death—a senseless act of violence for $50,000—also shifts the focus back to his musical impact. His ability to articulate pain, mental health struggles, and vulnerability through his music cemented his position as a cultural figure whose work transcended his personal controversies. The conclusion of the trial brings a definitive end to the criminal investigation, allowing his fans to process the final, tragic details of his passing while continuing to engage with the complex body of work he left behind.