Rick Ross Domestic Violence Case Delayed As Son Faces Separate Attack
Prosecutors have granted more time to decide on formal charges against the rapper, while his son recovers from a pistol-whipping incident in Florida.
An arraignment hearing for music mogul Rick Ross has been postponed as prosecutors weigh whether to formally file domestic violence charges against the artist. Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, was originally scheduled to appear in a Miami courtroom following his arrest over an alleged altercation with his ex-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, at his Star Island home.
The 50-year-old rapper was arrested after Kendrick reported that he assaulted her on August 28. According to police records, the dispute began when Ross questioned Kendrick about an Instagram photo and accused her of lying and maintaining a relationship with another person. Investigators stated that the artist struck her multiple times, choked her until she experienced breathing difficulties, grabbed her hair, and slammed her against a wall.
Following the incident, Kendrick posted photographs of her injuries on social media and notified detectives. Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess stated that investigators gathered injury photographs and surveillance footage to establish probable cause for the arrest. Ross bonded out of jail on October 1 and has consistently denied the accusations. "First and foremost, I'm totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me," he told reporters.
During the scheduled hearing, prosecutors requested an additional 30-day window to determine whether formal criminal charges will be filed. Defense attorney Brad Horenstein defended his client, asserting that the delay demonstrates authorities are carefully evaluating the case. "Mr. Ross is innocent," Horenstein said. "There are serious doubts about this case. These are fabrications. We asked you to hold your judgment and wait because the truth will come out." A new hearing has been scheduled for November 6, though Ross is not expected to be present.
In a separate legal matter involving the rapper's family, Ross's son, William Roberts III, was recently attacked in Daytona Beach near Bethune-Cookman University. According to a police affidavit, a 20-year-old man named Don Roberts approached the younger Roberts on October 11 while he was speaking with a woman.
The affidavit states that the assailant pointed a handgun at William Roberts III, threatened him by saying, "I don't care who your daddy is, I'll kill you right here," and subsequently struck him in the head with the weapon. The victim sustained minor swelling but did not require medical attention, later driving home to his family and delaying his report out of fear. Daytona Beach police subsequently detained Don Roberts, booking him on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon before releasing him on a $50,000 bond ahead of a November 10 arraignment.
Sources
- Arraignment for Rick Ross reset for next week; attorneys say battery, domestic violence charges have not been formally filed - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale wsvn.com
- Prosecutors delay decision to file charges in Rick Ross' domestic violence case nbcmiami.com
- Rick Ross’ son William Roberts III allegedly attacked at gunpoint near University; suspect charged timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Rick Ross’ son pistol-whipped by Florida man as rapper faces battery charges - AOL aol.com
- Son of Rick Ross Pistol Whipped In Florida thesource.com