French Rapper MHD Arrested, Charged With Voluntary Manslaughter

French rap star MHD has been arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter.

The MC, born Mohamed Sylla, was taken into custody on Tuesday (Jan. 15), in connection with the beating death of 23-year-old Loïc K back in July 2018, reports The Guardian. K was killed in the north-east section of Paris, France. Police say K was assaulted and brutally beaten to death in a gang fight that took place between rival factions from the 10th and 19th arrondissements. A vehicle that belongs to MHD, an alleged 19th member, was witnessed at the scene of the crime. Three other men have also been charged in connection with the death.

MHD was officially charged on Thursday (Jan. 17). The rapper’s lawyer, Elise Arfi, spoke on his behalf saying her client, “denies any involvement in this brawl.” She also pointed out the lack of evidence saying, “his presence at the scene of the crime has not been proven.”

As far as his car being at the scene of the crime, Arfi claims it was “used by the individuals identified by investigators as those who committed this deadly aggression,” and not her client.

MHD has been one of France’s most popular MCs over the last couple of years. He released the well-received album MHD in 2016 and put out the follow-up 19 last year. A few months ago, he put out the collab “Bella” with Nigerian musician WizKid.