DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A man was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of a Volusia County rapper, according to a news release from the state attorney’s office.
The fatal shooting happened in June 2023 when Jaron Smith, 32, was excited about having just signed a record deal and receiving one million views on Instagram.
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He was at a nearby birthday party in Daytona Beach when Robert Blue approached the victim, video surveillance showed. They began to argue, which turned into a fight.
Smith ran away, but Blue pulled out a gun and shot Smith multiple times. The victim was shot in the back and in the legs, the release said.
Blue drove away but was later arrested. Smith died from his injuries at the scene.
“We continue our efforts to rid our communities of violent murderers,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said in a statement. “Our efforts bear fruit and our citizens are safer for it.”
Blue faces up to life in prison.
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