An aspiring 27-year-old male rap artist from New Orleans, Desmone Jerome Sr., known professionally as BTY YoungN, was shot and killed on April 29, 2017. The incident occurred at a Shell gas station in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans. Jerome was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds near the gas pumps and was pronounced dead at the scene. His mother later expressed her belief that jealousy over his rising success in the music industry was the motive for his murder.
At the time of his death, Jerome was the father of a young son.
Jerome, who was affiliated with Birdman's Rich Gang music label, had a history of legal issues, including past charges for attempted murder and drug possession. Despite his troubled past, he was reportedly on the verge of signing a significant record deal. His career had been gaining momentum, and he was known for his energetic performances and growing popularity in the local rap scene.
In the weeks following the shooting, the New Orleans Police Department identified 31-year-old Darryl Bannister Jr. as a suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of second-degree murder. Evidence that reportedly linked Bannister to the crime was a cellphone found at the scene. Soon after, a second suspect, Kyron Williams, was also identified and charged with second-degree murder. Both men were eventually apprehended and indicted.
The legal proceedings against Bannister and Williams took a significant turn in February 2018 when the murder charges against both men were dismissed. The Orleans Parish District Attorney's office stated that based on the totality of the evidence, it was not prudent to proceed to trial at that time. Bannister had maintained his innocence, claiming his cell phone had been lost at a party the night of the murder. Although the charges were dropped, a spokesman for the district attorney's office confirmed that the investigation into Desmone Jerome's death would remain open and ongoing. There have been no subsequent arrests or public announcements of new developments in the case.
