The Tragic Timeline: When Did XXXTentacion Die? And The Final Verdict Against His Killers
The question of "when did XXXTentacion die" marks one of the most shocking and tragic moments in modern hip-hop history, an event that prematurely ended the life of a polarizing and immensely talented artist. The young rapper, whose real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was fatally shot on June 18, 2018, in a brazen daylight robbery outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. This senseless act of violence silenced a voice that had come to define the SoundCloud Rap and Emo-Rap movements, leaving behind a complex legacy of groundbreaking music and significant controversy.
As of late 2025, the legal saga surrounding his murder has reached its definitive conclusion, providing the most current update on this enduring story. The three men responsible for the killing—Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome—were convicted and formally sentenced to life in prison, finally bringing a measure of closure to the case more than five years after the tragic event. This article provides a comprehensive look at the artist's life, the details of his murder, and the final, updated timeline of the legal proceedings.
XXXTentacion: A Complete Biographical Profile (1998–2018)
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTentacion (often stylized as XXXTENTACION), was a figure of extreme contrasts. His short life was characterized by meteoric musical success juxtaposed with constant legal and personal turmoil.
- Full Name: Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy
- Stage Name: XXXTentacion (often shortened to "X")
- Born: January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida, U.S.
- Died: June 18, 2018, in Deerfield Beach, Florida, U.S.
- Age at Death: 20 years old
- Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds (Homicide)
- Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Musician
- Musical Genres: Hip hop, Emo rap, SoundCloud rap, Trap, R&B, Rock
- Years Active: 2013–2018
- Notable Albums: 17 (2017), ? (2018), Skins (Posthumous, 2018), Bad Vibes Forever (Posthumous, 2019)
- Estimated Net Worth (at time of death): $5 million
His music career began in 2013 on the audio distribution platform SoundCloud, where he quickly gained a massive, cult-like following. His breakthrough came with the 2016 single "Look at Me!," which launched him into mainstream recognition, despite his ongoing legal battles.
The Day the Music Died: The Details of the Murder
The circumstances of XXXTentacion's death were both sudden and brutal. On the afternoon of Monday, June 18, 2018, the rapper visited RIVA Motorsports, a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
He had just withdrawn a significant amount of cash—reportedly $50,000—from a bank before heading to the dealership.
As he was leaving RIVA Motorsports in his black BMW i8, two armed assailants in an SUV blocked his path. The men exited their vehicle and approached the driver's side of the BMW.
The incident was a robbery turned fatal. The assailants demanded money, and one of them, later identified as Michael Boatwright, allegedly opened fire, shooting Onfroy multiple times.
The robbers fled the scene with a Louis Vuitton bag containing the $50,000 in cash. XXXTentacion was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting.
Justice Served: The Convictions and Life Sentences (Latest Update)
The most recent and crucial update to the "when did xxx die" story is the conclusion of the murder trial. This legal process spanned nearly five years and was highly publicized, culminating in the conviction and sentencing of the three primary suspects.
The Arrests and Trial
Within weeks of the murder, four suspects were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery: Dedrick Williams, Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, and Robert Allen.
Robert Allen, who was also charged, later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against the other three men as part of a plea deal. His testimony was a key element in the prosecution's case.
The trial for the remaining three—Boatwright, Williams, and Newsome—began in early 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Verdict and Sentencing
In March 2023, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts for the three remaining defendants: Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome.
- Michael Boatwright: Identified as the primary shooter, Boatwright was convicted of first-degree murder.
- Dedrick Williams: Convicted of first-degree murder, he was identified as the driver of the getaway vehicle and the one who planned the robbery.
- Trayvon Newsome: Convicted of first-degree murder, he was identified as the second armed assailant who participated in the robbery.
On April 20, 2023, a Broward County judge formally sentenced all three men to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This final sentencing officially concluded the criminal case surrounding the death of Jahseh Onfroy.
The Complex Legacy and Posthumous Career
Despite his short life, XXXTentacion left an indelible mark on music. His style was a raw, genre-blending mix that incorporated elements of Emo, Indie Rock, Trap, and Hip-Hop, making him a pioneer of the "SoundCloud Rap" movement.
The Artistry and Controversy
His work often explored themes of depression, anxiety, isolation, and domestic abuse, resonating deeply with a young audience who saw their own struggles reflected in his lyrics.
However, his legacy is inextricably linked to the serious legal issues he faced, including charges of domestic battery, aggravated battery, and witness tampering. These controversies led to significant public debate about separating the art from the artist, a discussion that continues to this day.
Posthumous Releases and Lasting Impact
Following his death, his estate released two posthumous albums: Skins (2018) and Bad Vibes Forever (2019). Skins, though criticized by some as feeling unfinished, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, cementing his continued commercial power.
His influence can be heard in a generation of new artists who have embraced the emotional rawness and genre fluidity that he championed. The tragic death of XXXTentacion at the age of 20 remains a stark reminder of the volatility and high cost of fame in the modern music industry.
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