Pop Smoke Rapper's Murder Has Connection to Dead Body Found in Barrel
-
Exclusive
- 2.2K shares
Cops are investigating the connection between Pop Smoke's murder and a dead body found in a barrel on the beach in Malibu ... TMZ has learned.
The barrel, containing the naked body of Javonnta Murphy, washed ashore July 31. We've learned Javonnta is the brother of Jaquan Murphy ... one of the 5 people arrested in the wake of Pop Smoke's murder in 2020.
Jaquan was first charged with attempted murder for Pop Smoke's death, but later cleared. He is, however, currently awaiting trial for an unrelated murder in L.A. County.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... L.A. County Sheriff's Department's investigators are currently looking into the possibility Javonnta's murder was a retaliation killing for Pop's murder. Of course, it's not their only theory, but definitely one they're digging into.
TMZ broke the story ... Pop was shot and killed in February 2020 during a robbery in the Hollywood Hills. Pop was not alone in the home, but he was the only one who was shot.
related articles
Paul Reubens Active on Various Projects ... In Months Before Death
-
Exclusive
- 1.4K shares
Paul Reubens was a busy man before his sudden passing this week -- as he privately battled cancer, the guy was hard at work almost right to the end ... and there'll be something to show for it in the near future.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the 'Pee-wee Herman' star had been actively involved in various different film/TV projects in the final months of his life, including an upcoming HBO documentary (focused on his titular character) that was announced in 2021.
The doc is being helmed by the Safdie brothers, and we're told producers were able to get all of the interviews and insights from Paul himself before he died Monday.
Paul Reubens, aka 'Pee-wee Herman,' Dead at 70 from Cancer
Our sources say Paul had good and bad days toward the end, but when he was feeling up to it ... he was able to get quite a bit done ... spending upwards of 40 hours on interviews he did for the HBO doc. Between that and other interviews from over 25 different friends/collaborators, our sources say the 'Pee-wee' doc has over 1,000 hours of footage.
In addition to this documentary ... we're told Paul was working on his memoir ... a first draft of which Paul completed prior to his death. So, yes ... we'll get to hear his story from his POV somewhere down the line.
We discussed Paul Reuben's legacy in a recent episode of the Last Days Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
related articles
Angus Cloud Mother Denies He Was Suicidal ... Thinks 'OD' Was Accidental
Angus Cloud's death was viewed as a possible overdose by cops -- and we've heard rumblings he may have even taken his own life ... but his mom's denying that last part.
The "Euphoria" actor's mother, Lisa Cloud, took to Facebook to pen an emotional message, writing ... "Friends, I want you all to know I appreciate your love for my family at this shattered time. I also want you to know that although my son was in deep grief about his father's untimely death from mesothelioma, his last day was a joyful one."
She goes on to describe was Angus was doing that day, saying he was reorganizing his room and placing items around the house ... which she believes meant he had an intention to be around for a while. Lisa also says he'd been talking about wanting to help family members with college, among other signs that -- in her eyes -- point to him not being suicidal.
'Euphoria' Star Angus Cloud Dead at 25, 911 Call for 'Possible Overdose'
Then, Lisa says this point blank ... "I don't know if or what he may have put in his body after that. I only know that he put his head on the desk where he was working on art project's, fell asleep and didn't wake up. We may find out that he overdosed accidentally and tragically, but it's abundantly clear that he did not intend to check out of this world."
She adds, "Social media posts have suggested his death was intentional. I want you to know that is not the case. To honor his memory, please make random acts of kindness part of your daily life."
It's interesting that she's batting down any notion of suicide. Not only did a family statement released at the time suggest he died by suicide ... but sources familiar with the situation have further assured us that Angus was, indeed, having suicidal thoughts of late.
Unclear if there's more evidence to indicate he may have taken his life -- like a note, for example. In any case, his mother's backing that he was in high spirits -- which we've seen ourselves -- in his final days ... despite having a hard time dealing with his father's death.
BTW, Lisa appears to have been on the scene in Oakland when Angus was found ... first responders cited her as being the one who called 911 that fateful Monday morning.
He was 25.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
related articles
Angus Cloud Father Died Of Stage 4 Cancer ... Hit Actor Hard Before Death
-
Exclusive
- 1.8K shares
It's becoming more clear why the death of Angus Cloud's father hit the actor so fast and hard ... his dad was suffering from stage 4 cancer leading up to the actor's own death.
The late "Euphoria" star's dad, Conor Hickey, died from fluid buildup around his lungs and heart, with stage 4 cancer in those same organs ... this according to his death certificate.
The doc, obtained by TMZ, shows Angus' dad had stage 4 mesothelioma ... which may explain why his sudden passing hit Angus like a ton of bricks.
TMZ broke the story ... Angus' family says he struggled in the wake of his dad's very quick cancer battle, laying his father to rest in Ireland a week before he died in the family's Oakland home.
The circumstances of his dad's death could explain how serious things were for Angus mentally ... and it brings some insight into his final days.
Remember ... a source close to the family told us Angus had been struggling with thoughts of suicide since returning home from his dad's funeral ... and he was staying in the family home as he tried to work through the grief of losing his father.
As we first reported ... Angus' mom called 911 about a "possible overdose," claiming her son didn't have a pulse.
Since Angus' death, a mural went up down the street from his home ... and a candlelight vigil was held at the same spot, which has become the central gathering place for people wanting to pay their respects.
Meanwhile, Angus' cause of death has yet to be determined.
related articles
Lisa Marie Presley Daughter Officially in Charge of Mother's Estate ... Cements Role in Graceland
Lisa Marie Presley's oldest daughter, Riley Keough, is now the one and only in charge of her mother's estate ... this after settling with her grandmother, Priscilla Presley.
An L.A. County Superior Court judge signed off Friday, so Priscilla is officially out of the picture.
Riley is now a substantial owner of the Elvis Presley Graceland Estate, but according to the settlement, Priscilla will be allowed to use it as her final resting place. TMZ broke the story, during negotiations between Priscilla and Riley, Priscilla wanted to be buried right next to Elvis, which would have displaced Elvis' mom and dad. Remember, Priscilla was divorced from Elvis at the time of his death.
As we reported, Riley paid Priscilla millions to back off from challenging who administers Lisa Marie's trust ... a trust which benefits Riley, along with Lisa Marie's twins, 14-year-olds Harper and Finley.
Riley and Priscilla have had a fractured relationship for years.
related articles
Sharon Tate Sister Slams Auction of Murder House Front Door
-
Exclusive
- 432 shares
Sharon Tate's sister is disgusted a guy is trying to make a buck off the door to the home where her sibling was butchered ... slamming the whole sale as immoral.
Debra Tate tells TMZ ... the current owner of the door, Christopher Moore, and the auction house through which he's peddling it, Julien's Auctions, oughta be ashamed of themselves for trying to profit off the murder of the late actress, who was 8 months pregnant at the time.
It goes without saying, there's a very dark history behind this former piece of the Tate house ... and Debra hopes whoever ends up buying the front door knows this, and realizes it isn't something to gawk at or marvel over. On the contrary, she says it's morbid.
She tells us the door should be destroyed, and the only reason it's even being sold and generating interest is due to the shock factor -- something Debra laments.
Debra says while she's horrified over the sale, she's actually not all that sure it's the real McCoy. Her reasoning lies in the details ... namely the design of the doorknob.
The door was well-documented in photos, and she insists if you look at the ribbing lining the handle in the OG ... it doesn't appear to match the handle on the door being hawked.
Moore and Julien's have assured us this door is authentic ... and have documented where it's been over the years. It seems folks believe it's legit ... the bids have soared past $22k.
In any case, don't expect to see Debra bid -- she wants nothing to do with it, and believes it oughta be erased from the face of the Earth.
related articles
BETTY WHITE LONGTIME L.A. HOME GONE WITHOUT TRACE ... New Building Rising Up
Betty White's former L.A. home -- where she lived for decades -- has been wiped off the map ... and now a massive new building is rising up in its place, totally changing the lot.
The late actress had a relatively modest Brentwood property -- modest for A-list celebs, at least -- but the new mansion being built on the same piece of land is a big departure from Betty's style ... as seen in photos of the new construction.
From above, the new home is starting to take shape ... there's a main house rising way above the other structures, and the early stages of a new pool and spa are coming along too.
Remember ... the new owners, a dentist and his wife, filed for a permit to bulldoze Betty's old house back in November ... and by April, her old home was practically gone.
Now, there's literally no trace of Betty's roughly 3,000-square-foot home ... which once had 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and a pool.
Betty first moved to this Brentwood address way back in the '60s, right before her Hollywood career took off ... and she lived there until her death on New Year's Eve 2021. Along the way, her home became a staple of celebrity sightseeing for tourists.
The Golden Girl's castle is gone ... but that's what happens when a new buyer drops over $10 million for a piece of real estate.
related articles
'Breaking Bad' Star Mark Margolis Dead at 83
Mark Margolis -- popular for his roles in "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" as "Tio" Hector Salamanca -- has died.
A statement from his team Friday revealed the actor died at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC Thursday after a short illness. Mark's wife and son were at his bedside when he died.
"Breaking Bad" fans will know Margolis as Hector Salamanca on the show -- the silent and wheelchair-bound drug lord who could only use a bell to communicate.
Margolis was praised for the role, and Nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2012. Mark also played Salamanca in "Better Call Saul."
While he seemingly left his biggest mark on television, Mark's career spanned several decades -- with roles in "Scarface," "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Black Swan."
Mark is survived by his wife, Jacqueline -- who he was married to for 61 years -- his son Morgan, Morgan's wife Heide and his three grandsons.
He was 83.
RIP
related articles
Billie Eilish Pays Tribute to Angus Cloud ... Performs 'Euphoria' Song At Lollapalooza
Billie Eilish took time out of her Lollapalooza set to honor Angus Cloud ... performing one of her tracks featured on "Euphoria" and shouting out the late actor in a heartwarming tribute.
The singer took to the stage in Chicago Thursday night to perform a bunch of her hits for the massive crowd ... and it was about an hour into her set when she started "Never Felt So Alone" -- a song by Labrinth in which Billie is featured.
Billie's fans went wild just hearing the intro, singing along with her from beginning to end. Billie shouted, "RIP to Angus Cloud, everybody" once it was over, before moving on to her next song.
It's a pretty touching tribute ... especially with the track being a big hit on Angus' show.
As we reported, the actor's costar Dominic Fike also shouted him out at his show earlier this week ... getting emotional while talking about Angus to the crowd.
We also talked to Javon Walton, who played his little brother, Ashtray, on the show ... and he had nothing but great things to say about him -- adding Angus was always so supportive of everything he did.
related articles
'Euphoria' Star Javon Walton Angus Was 'Purest Soul Ever' ... He'll Be Missed By Many!!!
-
Exclusive
- 515 shares
"Euphoria" star Javon Walton is remembering his late costar Angus Cloud as one of the most genuine people he's ever met ... telling us there's not a lot of folks like Angus out there.
Javon and Angus played brothers on the hit HBO series for two seasons ... but their brotherly bond runs deeper than the "Euphoria" script. Javon says Angus had "the purest soul ever" and it's still tough to process just how suddenly Angus died.
Javon, who recently signed with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, tells us Angus took him under his wing from the beginning, and always wanted to see him thrive and succeed.
TMZ broke the story ... Angus died Monday at his family's home in Oakland, CA, where his mom called 911 to report a potential overdose.
There's been an outpouring of love for Angus in Oakland and beyond ever since his sudden death ... and based on what Javon is telling us here, it's clear Angus made a lasting impact on many people's lives.
related articles
Taylor Swift Hugs Kobe's Daughter Onstage ... At 'Eras' Show In L.A.
8/3/23
Taylor Swift shared a special moment with Kobe and Vanessa Bryant's daughter, Bianka, during her "Eras" Tour stop in Los Angeles ... gifting the 6-year-old her "Red" hat and a big hug.
Vanessa and her daughters were among the Swifties for the singer's first of six sold-out concerts at SoFi Stadium on Thursday ... with mom decked out in a custom jean jacket to honor the late Lakers legend.
But, it was Bianka who had her wildest dreams come true ... with Swift picking her out of the crowd and bringing her up to the stage in the middle of the show.
For those who don't know, Swift gives out her iconic hat to one lucky fan every time she performs "22" ... something that's been quite the phenomenon throughout the tour.
Taylor shared a warm embrace with Bianka -- she hugged her and said a few words before putting the hat on her head ... and the entire stadium erupted in cheers and applause over the gesture.
"We love you @taylorswift ❤️," Vanessa said on Instagram.
The Bryant family has been tied to Swift for years -- not only are they all huge fans, but Kobe also took the stage at Staples Center to reveal a banner to honor her record for sold-out shows at the venue in 2015.
Gigi was also a massive Swiftie ... and Vanessa shared a throwback of her late daughter rocking out to "You Belong With Me" prior to attending Thursday's show.
Bianka has a ways to go before being 22 ... but it's safe to say it felt like the "perfect night."
related articles
Idaho College Student Murders Suspect Bryan Kohberger Gives Alibi ... Late-Night Drives Are Just My Thing
The suspected killer of four University of Idaho students has served up an alibi for that fateful night ... claiming he routinely drives around alone late into the evening.
Bryan Kohberger filed a motion in Latah County Court in connection with the fatal stabbings of classmates Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves in an off-campus house last November.
Kohberger, a former criminology student at Washington State University, is charged with all four slayings and faces the death penalty if convicted. He has pled not guilty.
In his court filing, Kohberger says he "has long had a habit of going for drives alone" and "often he would go for drives at night."
He noted that he "did so late on November 12 and into November 13, 2022," during the time of the murders, indicating he had nothing to do with them.
As we reported, Kohberger was arrested at his parent's home in Pennsylvania weeks after the deadly attack.
Prosecutors say they linked Kohberger to the homicides after finding his DNA on a knife sheath at the crime scene. Other evidence against Kohberger includes cell phone records and an eyewitness who survived the frightening ordeal.
related articles
Angus Cloud Candlelight Vigil at Oakland Mural
-
Exclusive
- 463 shares
Angus Cloud got an emotional send-off ... in the form of a candlelight vigil in his hometown.
The vigil went down Wednesday night at the Oakland mural that just went up honoring the late "Euphoria" star.
Local artist Darin Balaban, who painted the 9-foot-tall mural on the wall of an Oakland car wash, tells TMZ ... around 50 people showed up to the mural for a candlelight vigil, with many bringing flowers and pictures of Angus and placing them at the base of the wall.
Others brought liquor and Guinness beer, and the group played music and sang songs together ... swapping stories and even adding to the Angus mural.
We're told some shed tears, but there were also a lot of smiles as people remembered the young actor.
Video from the vigil shows the group singing Ben E. King's famous song, "Stand By Me."
TMZ broke the story ... Darin and a group of Angus' friends collaborated on the mural, mashing up 3 photos of the late actor, and the artwork is already becoming a gathering place for those wanting to pay their respects.
As we first reported, Angus died Monday at his Oakland home, where his mom reported a possible overdose ... and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In addition to the candlelight vigil and mural, tributes keep pouring in from those close to Angus ... including his former "Euphoria" castmates.
related articles
Angus Cloud Oakland Mural Honors Actor
-
Exclusive
- 4.2K shares
Some of Angus Cloud's pals in Oakland came together to honor their late friend in a pretty spectacular way ... working with a local artist to create an awesome tribute.
The local artist is Darin Balaban. He and a group of Angus' friends collaborated and chose 3 photos of the "Euphoria" star as inspiration for a new mural. Darin mashed up the 3 pics to create the artwork, painted on a 9-foot high wall of a car wash in Oakland, Angus' hometown.
Darin knew Angus and says he was always "smiling and calm," and the artist wanted that reflected on the wall.
One of Angus's best friends -- Kalani -- is also an artist who helped Darin create the work. A bunch of other friends were there to help ... Kalani said it turned out to be good therapy as they all dealt with their loss. Another artist friend M27 helped paint the portrait.
It ended up being a community event, with pizza, beer and candles as they told stories about their good friend.
Darin's surprised the mural has become the central gathering place for people who wanted to pay their respects ... fans, friends and strangers. There were tears, laughter and lots of hugging.
The mural is located on Park and E. 19th St. not too far from where Angus lived.
As we reported, Angus died at his Oakland home on Monday ... his mom reported a possible overdose, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The mural isn't the only tribute -- his castmates from the HBO show have had nothing but kind things to say about the late actor since his passing. Dominic Fike, who played Elliot in season 2, paid homage to his friend in an emotional speech at a show Tuesday night.
related articles
Big Pokey Cause Of Death Revealed ... Massive Heart Attack
Houston rapper Big Pokey collapsed mid-performance back in June ... an unfortunate result of a heart attack, his autopsy has revealed.
Tom Gillam III, Justice of the Peace for Jefferson County, Texas, signed Pokey's death certificate this week ... highlighting the medical condition.
"The cause of death, in layman's terms, 'Big Pokey' had a massive heart attack ... He had hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease," Gilliam said in a statement.
Pokey collapsed while performing at a bar in Beaumont, TX on June 18 and died shortly after being rushed to a nearby hospital.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
He was 45 years old and left behind a pioneering hip hop legacy for the Lone Star State as a member of the DJ Screw's "Screwed Up Click" ... counting the likes of Slim Thug, Paul Wall and BFF Lil Keke as mourners.
The bar he died at also hosted a memorial event in honor shortly after his passing.
related articles
'Euphoria' Star Dominic Fike Remembers Angus Cloud at Concert
Angus Cloud's death was top of mind during his costar and friend Dominic Fike's concert -- and he delivered a moving moment, reminiscing with the audience about Angus.
The singer and 'Euphoria' star -- who acted alongside Angus during Season 2 -- addressed his costar's sudden passing during his show Tuesday night in Houston ... and shared some very personal feelings with the crowd.
Check it out ... Dominic says he just lost a friend, and then goes on to muse about the larger implications of that -- and how getting the news instantly made everything else so trivial.
You can tell he's getting pretty introspective here, openly wondering whether performing the concert was appropriate considering the tragedy -- but then he answers his own question, saying Angus would've wanted him to go on and do what he loves.
Dominic also had this to say about AC ... the guy operated on a certain wavelength and his energy was palpable, making him standout among a star-studded cast, including Zendaya.
TMZ broke the story ... Angus was found dead in Oakland Monday, and his mother called 911 to report her son didn't have a pulse. Cops discussed it as a possible overdose, and Angus' family has indicated he may have taken his own life in the wake of his father's death.
Several stars from 'Euphoria' have paid tribute to Angus ... and all have been heartfelt.