According to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, 38-year-old Khaliyfa Neely was convicted on charges of third-degree murder, aggravated assault, simple assault, and possession of an instrument of crime for the murder of Devon Andre Pickett, Nicki Minaj‘s former tour manager.
On February 18, 2015, Neely fatally stabbed Pickett outside of a bar in the Germantown section of Philly shortly before kicking off tour dates with Minaj. She confirmed the death via Twitter at the time. “Two members of my team were stabbed last night in Philly,” she wrote. “One was killed. They had only been there for two days rehearsing for the tour.”
According to a press release on the incident, Neely’s initial trial for the murder was in 2019. After four days, a jury could not reach a decision, and it ended in a mistrial. However, District Attorney Krasner sought a retrial based on substantial evidence.
“It is our duty to persist in the pursuit of justice, even in the face of challenges,” Krasner said in the release. “I credit Assistant District Attorneys Adam Geer and Ed Jaramillo for remaining committed to securing justice in this 2015 murder.”
He continued, “My office continues vigorously but fairly prosecuting individuals who commit serious offenses so they are prevented from further endangering the public. As always, I thank the jury for their service.”
Neely is reportedly facing up to 25 years in prison and is expected to be sentenced by Judge Scott O’Keefe on April 24.
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