Pop Smoke's Murder Mastermind Sentenced, Apologizes For 'Unforgivable Actions'

Pop Smoke's murder suspect, Corey Walker, has been sentenced for his role in the rapper's fatal 2020 shooting.

Walker accepted a plea deal from prosecutors at a hearing two weeks ago, pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery with gun and gang enhancements.

Pop Smoke's mom was present at the hearing but didn't appear for the sentencing as the deceased's family continues to deal with the impact of his death.

On Friday, Walker appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom where he expressed his sincere apologies for his role in Pop Smoke's death.

According to Rolling Stone, he sat at the defense table wearing an orange jail uniform and apologized to the rapper's family, who weren't present for the sentencing.

Walker said, "Even though the Jackson family isn't here in court today, I would like to sincerely apologize for my unforgivable actions, although there's no apology that amounts to the taking of someone's life."

He added, "I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize to my family for the pain and embarrassment that they have endured over the last five years, as well as an apology to my community."

Walker also thanked his defense lawyers, Kellen Davis and Deion Benjamin, for their role in helping him "avoid a much harsh punishment."

He concluded, "Today I take responsibility for my dreadful partake in these crimes, and as I begin my road to rehabilitation, I assure you that I will steer clear from negative behavior."

Following his apology, Walker was sentenced to 29 years in jail.

Walker's sentencing comes two weeks after he accepted a plea deal that dropped a murder charge in favor of the manslaughter charge.

If not for the plea deal, the convict would have faced a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

In addition to the manslaughter charge, Walker pleaded guilty to the related robbery of a woman present in the apartment the day Pop Smoke was shot and killed.

According to the prosecutors, the manslaughter and robbery convictions each have an extra two-year sentence that will run alongside the 29-year jail term.

By agreeing to the plea deal, Walker prevented a jury trial that would have began on the same week.

Pop Smoke's mom, Audrey Jackson, shared her thoughts on Walker's plea deal, expressing gratitude that the murder case had been resolved, though she remained heartbroken about his death.

In a chat with Rolling Stone's senior reporter, Nancy Dillon, Audrey said, "It's over for everybody except me. This never ends for me. And that's unfair."

She added, "I appreciate they got justice to the fullest extent of the law. But my life doesn't change. I still don't have my son. I will continue to work on his legacy, but that's also a reminder that he's not here."

Audrey also expressed her plan not to attend Walker's sentencing hearing because she was organizing a gala that night to celebrate her deceased son's life.

She said, "I have not been holding animosity. I've just been getting through this. There's just nothing to say [at Walker's sentencing]. Everybody's life has been ruined."

Walker was the only adult charged in the case, where three minors, aged 15, 16, and 17, attacked Pop Smoke, real name Bashar Barakah Jackson, at his rental home.

They targeted him for cash, a gold chain, and a diamond-studded watch Pop Smoke had shown on social media.

Walker, who had surveyed the home and recruited others, pleaded guilty to his role as the mastermind, providing weapons and tools for the crime. After the robbery, they sold the stolen Rolex for $2,000.

Prosecutor Hilary Williams emphasized Walker's calculated involvement and said the traumatic event would have lasting effects on Jackson's family and friends.

In addition to Corey Walker, three juveniles, including the 15-year-old shooter who admitted to killing Pop Smoke during the home invasion, were charged.

The shooter received 50 years to life but can only be held until age 25 under California law.

According to reports, the other juveniles, who were aged 16 and 17 at the time of the crime, admitted to lesser charges and were remanded in juvenile detention facilities.