The man accused of claiming the life of Takeoff has been granted $5,000 to hire a private investigator to prove his innocence.
Patrick Xavier Clark, known popularly in Houston as DJ Pat, has been approved for the funds to aid in his defense. In a filing shortly after his arrest, he told a judge that he was now broke after paying his attorney and desperately needed additional money. His motion was granted on Friday, allowing Clark and his attorney, Letitia Quinones, access to a private investigator.
Quinones maintains Clark’s innocence, as well as those who know the popular club promoter in the Houston nightlife. One friend, who preferred not to give their name, told The Daily Beast that they believed Clark was being framed.
“He doesn’t get mad or hostile,” they claimed. Another associate, rapper Jmali, also expressed disbelief that Clark would have killed anyone. He even compared him to Takeoff, calling the DJ a quiet person who “just went about his business.” In the days following the Migos star, Clark posted on social media as normal.
Despite several people vouching for his character, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is confident that Clark was the triggerman who claimed Takeoff’s life. The 28-year-old was gunned down on November 1st, 2022, following a heated bowling alley altercation that stemmed from a dice game. Law enforcement claims ballistics evidence and shooting reconstruction proved that Clark fired the fatal shots. Cellphone and surveillance footage also identified him as the shooter.
Clark is being held on a $2 million bond, though there is a chance that could be reduced. A bond hearing is scheduled for December 14th.
