Rapper Troy Ave Charged After Fatal Shooting at T.I. Concert

On Monday, Troy Ave was formally charged with criminal possession of a weapon and attempted murder in connection to a backstage shooting at a T.I. concert that left one dead and three wounded on May 25.

The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Roland Collins, appeared at Manhattan Criminal Court in a wheelchair. His lawyers say their client was not responsible for last week’s gunfire, which erupted in the backstage area of Irving Plaza before rapper T.I. was to perform, reports the New York Times.

Three people were wounded in the shooting, including Ave. His bodyguard, Ronald McPhatter, was killed in the gun fight. Apart from security camera video, which showed a man the police identified as Ave firing a weapon, there is little information on what happened backstage. Maino, who was performing at the concert, has a history of feuding with Ave.

“He’s the real victim here,” said Ave’s lawyer Scott E. Leemon in court, reports the NYT. Leemon also said that scientific evidence would prove Ave did not shoot himself. “McPhatter died a hero trying to protect Mr. Collins. He was not shot by Mr. Collins.”

Ave will be held without bail until trial.

[NYT]