Life Sentences And Last Words: The Shocking True Story Behind XXXTentacion's 2018 Murder

The tragic and abrupt end to the life of rapper XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, remains one of the most controversial and discussed events in modern hip-hop history. While the initial shock of his 2018 killing has passed, the final chapter of the legal saga—the sentencing of his murderers—provides the definitive, current update on this case as of December 10, 2025.

The latest, most critical development is the March 2023 verdict and subsequent life sentences for the three men convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery, finally bringing a form of closure to the violent incident that occurred outside a South Florida motorcycle dealership.

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy: A Complex and Controversial Profile

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTentacion, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter whose brief career was marked by both immense musical success and significant controversy. His raw, emotionally vulnerable sound blended elements of emo, hip-hop, trap, and rock, making him a central figure in the SoundCloud rap movement.

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• Full Name: Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy
• Born: January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida
• Died: June 18, 2018 (Age 20), in Deerfield Beach, Florida
• Genre/Style: Emo Rap, SoundCloud Rap, Hip-Hop, Trap, Alternative R&B
• Key Albums: 17 (2017), ? (2018)
• Notable Songs: "SAD!", "Moonlight", "Jocelyn Flores", "Look At Me!"
• Major Controversy: He faced multiple legal issues, most notably severe domestic abuse allegations from his ex-girlfriend, Geneva Ayala, which overshadowed much of his career.

Despite his short life, Onfroy's music resonated deeply with a young audience, selling millions of records and influencing a generation of artists. The complex duality of his public persona—vulnerability in his music versus violence in his personal life—defined his challenging legacy.

The Definitive Timeline of the 2018 Killing

The murder of XXXTentacion was not a targeted hit in the traditional sense, but a brazen, opportunistic armed robbery that escalated into a fatal shooting. The event took place in broad daylight, shocking the community of Deerfield Beach, Florida.

The Final Moments and the Robbery

On Monday, June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was leaving RIVA Motorsports, a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Broward County. He was driving a black BMW i8 and had a Louis Vuitton bag containing approximately $50,000 in cash, which he had withdrawn from a bank shortly before.

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As he backed his car out of the parking lot, an SUV suddenly blocked his path. Two armed men—later identified as Michael Boatwright and Trayvon Newsome—jumped out and approached his vehicle.

A struggle ensued over the bag of cash. Michael Boatwright, the man identified as the shooter, fired multiple rounds, striking XXXTentacion in the neck. The assailants grabbed the bag of money and fled the scene.

The rapper was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead later that day. The cause of death was officially ruled a gunshot wound.

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Justice Served: The Murder Trial and Life Sentences

The investigation and subsequent trial were lengthy, but they ultimately led to the conviction of all individuals involved in the murder. This judicial conclusion is the most recent and significant update to the case, finally closing the legal file nearly five years after the tragic event.

The Four Men Charged

Four men were ultimately charged in connection with the 2018 killing and armed robbery: Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, Dedrick Williams, and Robert Allen.

The prosecution successfully argued that Dedrick Williams, who was the first to be arrested, was the getaway driver and the one who had purchased the masks used in the robbery. Michael Boatwright and Trayvon Newsome were identified as the two gunmen who directly confronted and shot Onfroy.

The fourth man, Robert Allen, played a crucial role by pleading guilty to second-degree murder and armed robbery in 2022. He agreed to testify against the other three defendants, providing key insider details that helped secure the convictions.

The Verdict and Sentencing

In March 2023, the jury delivered a guilty verdict on all counts for the three remaining defendants: Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, and Dedrick Williams. They were all convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery.

In April 2023, a Broward County judge formally sentenced all three men to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This sentence ensures they will spend the rest of their lives behind bars for the brutal killing of the 20-year-old rapper.

The sentence brought a definitive, yet somber, resolution to the case, confirming that the motive was pure greed—the $50,000 cash Onfroy had withdrawn from the bank. The conviction and sentencing were widely reported as the final chapter in the murder of XXXTentacion, bringing an end to years of legal proceedings and public speculation.

The Enduring Legacy and Impact on Music

The death of XXXTentacion left a gaping hole in the emo rap and hip-hop scenes, a space he had carved out with his unique, unfiltered sound. His influence remains undeniable, particularly on artists who followed him on the platform that launched his career, SoundCloud.

The impact of his passing was immediate and massive. Posthumously, his single "SAD!" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and his music saw a massive surge in streaming numbers, highlighting the depth of his following.

His music's raw themes of depression, anxiety, and vulnerability struck a chord with millions of fans, creating a powerful, albeit complicated, musical legacy that continues to spark debate about separating the art from the artist. His ability to blend disparate genres—from acoustic guitar to heavy trap beats—pushed the boundaries of what modern rap could be, influencing artists like Juice WRLD and others in the subsequent wave of emotional rap.

While the legal proceedings are complete and the killers are serving their life sentences, the conversation about XXXTentacion's life, his art, and the complex legacy he left behind remains a potent topic in the cultural landscape. The final verdict on his killers has closed the judicial case, but the cultural examination of Jahseh Onfroy's turbulent life is far from over.