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Melvin Batties

Death by Force
Case Description
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Melvin Batties, a 34-year-old aspiring rapper known by his stage name Phanelli DeBlasio, was tragically shot and killed on January 16, 2018, in the Bronx, New York. The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. in the courtyard of the Sedgwick Houses on West 174th Street near Popham Avenue in Morris Heights. Batties was shot once in the neck and was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The location of the shooting was significant as it was the same area featured in his music ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (6)
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  • NY Daily News: Aspiring rapper shot dead near Bronx music video site
  • Aspiring rapper fatally shot outside Bronx housing development
    •     ...View 4 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Melvin Batties

    Male

    Black / African American

    Bronx

    NY

    2018-01-16

    34

    Melvin

    Batties

    11/10/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I've been following the case of Melvin Batties, aka Phanelli DeBlasio, and I can't help but think ab... ...Read More
    11/30/2024
    It’s so tough to hear about what happened to Melvin Batties. Living in the same city, I can’t he... ...Read More
    11/15/2024
    Hey everyone,
    I've been thinking a lot about the role that music and art can play in bringing a... ...Read More
    07/16/2024
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