Teen rapper charged after writing song about murder, Florida lawmaker says

Winter Haven, Florida (WFLA) — A 19-year-old “self-proclaimed rapper” has been charged with first-degree murder, according to the Polk County, Florida Sheriff’s Office.

At a press conference Thursday, Sheriff Grady Judd said Radarion Chandler was charged with the shooting death of 33-year-old John Magee on December 17, 2022.

The indictment comes after Chandler was accused of pointing a gun at someone in Lakeland’s Secret Cove neighborhood on February 22. While held without bail at Polk County Jail, investigators said witness interviews and tips from the community tied him to prison last year. photograph.

According to the sheriff’s office, the shooting victim belonged to a rival gang.

“Our crime is at its lowest level in 51 years, and violent crime declined last year. Shootings like this don’t represent what’s happening across Polk County,” Judd said. “But there is the problem of very young gangs shooting at each other. We want to solve this problem. Suspects in shootings like this shouldn’t have guns.” is not.”

Judd said Chandler mentioned the murder charges in his rap song. “Only the shooter would have known he shot the man in the back,” said Judd, referring to one of the lyrics.

Deputies searched Chandler’s home and found ammunition in his duffel bag, but not the gun used in the alleged crime. We are offering a $5,000 bounty to anyone who has useful information.

“I will pay you $5,000 to recover the gun used in this murder. Contact Heartland Crime Stoppers. We will get the gun and you can make a lot of cash.” ‘ said Judd.

Chandler was charged with first-degree murder, misdemeanor possession of a firearm, and aggravated assault with a lethal weapon.