Adan Farrid Katami, known to his friends as "AK," was tragically killed on July 13, 2016, at the age of 38 in Cherryland, California. Katami, a cannabis grower, was shot multiple times while sitting in his truck at an intersection. The incident occurred in broad daylight, shocking the local community. Katami was waiting to make a left turn when Johnny Wright, the triggerman, jumped out of a rented red Jeep Wrangler and shot him at close range. Wright then fled the scene on foot, while his accomplice, Chariott Burks, drove away in the Jeep. Despite the immediate chaos, law enforcement quickly identified and apprehended Wright and Burks.
The investigation revealed that Katami's murder was orchestrated by his business partner, Tikisha Upshaw. Upshaw and Katami were involved in a marijuana growing operation and were seeking to open a dispensary. However, their business relationship soured, leading Upshaw to hire Wright and Burks to kill Katami. Upshaw's motive was financial gain, as she found it cheaper to eliminate Katami rather than buy him out of the business. The police connected Upshaw to the crime through surveillance footage and other evidence, leading to her arrest.
During the trial, it was disclosed that Upshaw had planned the murder meticulously. She enlisted the help of Wessley Brown, who hired Wright and Burks for the job. Wright was identified by his distinctive shoes and was arrested shortly after the shooting. Burks, who had made incriminating statements to the police, was also taken into custody. The murder weapon was never found, but the evidence against the trio was overwhelming.
Upshaw was convicted of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of financial gain and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Wright was also convicted of murder and is eligible for parole in 2036. Burks faced charges related to her involvement in the murder. The case highlighted the dangers and complexities of the illegal marijuana trade and the lengths to which individuals might go for financial gain.
