OAKLAND — After a two-month search, police have arrested Michai Adams, a 21-year-old local rapper, on a murder charge. Adams, known in the music world as ChaiBenjii4, was apprehended on June 13 during a routine traffic stop near Aspire Berkley Academy Elementary School. Upon running his name, officers discovered he was wanted for an alleged murder and found a gun in his vehicle, according to court records.
Adams is accused of participating in the fatal shooting of Lamar Payne, 50, during a chaotic gunfight involving at least three shooters outside a liquor store near E Street and 105th Avenue on September 7 of last year. In addition to the murder charge, Adams faces a new felony gun charge, adding to previous allegations of possessing firearms and ammunition linked to the homicide.
The Incident and Arrest
According to Oakland police, surveillance footage places Adams at the scene of the shootout, which erupted when at least two gunmen opened fire on another individual who returned fire. A bystander inside the store reportedly armed himself and rushed outside but did not discharge his weapon. Another passerby sustained minor injuries when his vehicle was hit by bullets, causing broken glass to cut his face.
Adams, who has amassed over 1.6 million views on his YouTube channel despite releasing only five songs in 2021, has a criminal history that includes two felony convictions for evading police and assault with a deadly weapon. These convictions legally prohibit him from possessing firearms, adding complexity to his current legal challenges.
Connections and Comparisons
Authorities have linked Adams to the Baby Benji Gang, a group also associated with Tamarkus Killensworth, 21, of Berkeley. Killensworth is currently facing multiple felony charges, including robbery and gun possession, but has not been charged in Payne’s murder. Police identified him from the shootout footage, noting his distinct right hand, which is missing fingers.
Another suspect, Keyante Reed, 18, was charged with murder but released from jail after his attorney argued self-defense and highlighted Reed’s status as a promising college student. Reed, who moved to Oakland from Las Vegas at 16, has been shot twice in the city and was identified as the individual who returned fire during the September incident.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Reed faced a preliminary hearing in April and was held to answer on the murder charge, though he remains free following a decision by Judge Elena Condes. The judge cited Reed’s enrollment at Laney College and his personal history of being a shooting victim as factors in her decision.
The arrest of Adams and the ongoing legal proceedings have drawn attention to the broader issues of gun violence and gang activity in Oakland. Community leaders and law enforcement officials are grappling with the challenge of addressing these issues while balancing the rehabilitation and potential of young individuals like Reed.
Implications and Future Developments
The case against Adams is set to unfold in the coming months, with potential implications for his music career and the local community’s efforts to curb violence. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on the impact of gang-related activities and the justice system’s role in addressing such complex cases.
Meanwhile, the community is left to ponder the balance between justice and rehabilitation, as the stories of those involved in the shootout highlight the multifaceted nature of crime and punishment in urban settings. The outcome of Adams’ case could set significant precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
