A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his stepfather, a rising Brooklyn rapper, following a dispute over smoking marijuana near his pregnant mother, according to police and reports.
The victim, identified as Jamel Davis, 43, who performed under the name “Sinthoro Upper,” was shot inside a New York City Housing Authority apartment in Fort Greene on April 12 after a heated argument escalated into violence.
Authorities say the confrontation began when the teen’s mother—who is reportedly three months pregnant—asked her son not to smoke inside the home out of concern for her unborn child. The disagreement intensified, prompting Davis to intervene.
During the altercation, the teen allegedly went into his bedroom, retrieved a handgun from a shoebox, and fired multiple shots, striking Davis in the chest and arm, police said. Davis was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The suspect fled the scene and was arrested days later in the Bronx. Law enforcement officials said he appeared disheveled at the time of his arrest, suggesting he may have been on the run since the incident.
The teen now faces charges including murder and criminal possession of a weapon. It remains unclear whether he will be prosecuted as an adult.
Investigators also revealed there had been prior domestic incidents involving the teen and his mother, including reports indicating he may have previously had access to a firearm.
Davis’ death has shocked members of the local community, particularly as the rapper had recently begun gaining traction in the music industry. His song “Slidin’” had started receiving attention on local radio and social media shortly before his death.
Friends and supporters say the tragedy cut short a long-awaited breakthrough in his career, leaving behind family members—including children—and a baby on the way.
The investigation remains ongoing.
