Authorities suspect that a drill-rap rivalry among housing projects in Brooklyn might have led to the tragic shooting of a 7-month-old baby girl. According to law enforcement, the shooting took place in Williamsburg on April 1, when the gunman, Amri Green, opened fire, targeting rapper Jamari Patterson, who is the baby’s father.
Green, 21, was associated with a group that clashed with another gang, the Bushwick House. Although Patterson wasn’t part of that rival gang, officials believe that his lyrics stirred tensions within Green’s circle, leading to the attack.
Patterson, known as “MP,” has lyrics that reflect a violent rap culture. In one of his songs, he expresses aggressive sentiments, hinting at lethal confrontations, which, perhaps, contributed to the hostility directed at him.
Documents reveal that Green admitted to using his moped as cover when he shot at Patterson due to the inflammatory nature of his lyrics. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenney mentioned that Patterson had “associations” with members of the Bushwick House Money Over Everything (MOE) gang. Sources further indicate that Patterson’s music has embroiled him in a feud between the Bushwick gang and the Mercy House, to which Green belongs, even if his latest song was posted about a year ago.
Green faces charges of murder and attempted murder in the incident that also injured Kaori’s 2-year-old brother. Meanwhile, Matthew Rodriguez, thought to be an accomplice, was arrested in Pennsylvania and is expected to appear in court in Brooklyn soon.
At the time of the shooting, Kaori was outside near Humboldt and Moore streets with her family. According to her mother, Leanna, she swiftly moved her children to safety but was horrified to find blood. Family members recounted a heartbreaking scene captured on surveillance, showing a panicked mother after realizing her baby was hurt, just after she had started calling her “mama.”
Addressing the widespread speculation about Patterson’s affiliations, Leanna firmly stated that he was not involved in gang activities. She told the Post, “That never happened,” insisting that he had no connections to the situation.
Patterson, devastated by his daughter’s death, shared a letter expressing his desire to change his life positively after her birth. He mentioned that holding her for the first time made him realize just how special she was. He had committed to altering his path, aiming to create a better life for his family through music, distancing himself from negativity.
The family is set to hold a funeral for Kaori on Monday night at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn.
