Justin "Kid Cali" Lishey, a 30-year-old rapper, was tragically shot and killed on August 20, 2016, while attending a pool party at a mansion in Granada Hills, California. The incident occurred at a large 6,000-square-foot mansion on Longacre Avenue. During the party, Kenny Birdine, also known by his street name "Lil' Rampage," opened fire on Lishey multiple times with a handgun from close range. Lishey was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Birdine, a 22-year-old member of the Inglewood Family Bloods gang, was arrested the following month. Prosecutors alleged that Birdine mistakenly believed Lishey was a member of the rival Rollin' 90s gang, although there was no evidence to support this claim. Lishey was not a documented gang member and had done nothing to provoke the attack. The shooting also resulted in injuries to two other individuals at the party.
In October 2018, Birdine was found guilty of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison in June 2019. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office reported that Birdine would serve at least 50 years before being eligible for parole. The case highlighted the dangers of gang-related violence and the tragic consequences of mistaken identity.
Additionally, in December 2016, the owner of the mansion where the shooting occurred was charged with misdemeanor illegal land use. The homeowner had rented out the property to a party promoter, who then bused in attendees and sold various items, including alcohol. This incident underscored the legal and safety issues associated with unregulated party venues.
