Aspiring rapper Douglas Dougie Byrd was murdered on Tuesday, shot twice in the back of the head with a large caliber semi-automatic weapon, and police have issued an arrest warrant for the 18-year-old suspect Levi Slaughter.

The Boom Box is reporting that Dayton, Ohio, police believe Slaughter shot and killed the rapper in the middle of the street last week.

Byrd, 30, was an aspiring hip-hop artist from Dayton. He was reportedly riding in a vehicle with other men when an argument broke out. Byrd allegedly attempted to remove himself from the altercation, according to WDTN, but was followed and shot twice on Pittsburg Ave off of Salem Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He enjoyed life and as a performer, he gave everything, said local promoter Donna Hamilton, according to WDTN. You could be having the worst day of your life and he would come and in and you'd have to smile, have to grin. He lightened up the whole room.

The Montgomery County Sheriff said Byrd was known by the police department as an active gang member, however, they believe the shooting was not gang related.

Local residents complained about gang members and drug use in their towns and neighborhoods.

They don't care about the kids. All they care about is the money. Money is the root of all evil. That's all they're worried about out here, said Emanual Spears of Dayton, according to Dayton News Source. It's crazy. I see it all the time. I see homicides all the time. All these drugs. It's crazy,

Byrd was a known rapper in the Dayton area with many fans. He was supposed to perform at Heat, a nightclub in Dayton, located at 6115 Brandt Pike. Fellow rappers and friends will perform in his honor.

You could be having the worst day of your life and he would come and in and you'd have to smile, have to grin. He lightened up the whole room, continued Hamilton.

Authorities have the description of the vehicle, but have not released the information to the public.

Police say Slaughter is dangerous and if spotted, residents should immediately contact authorities. Anyone with information should call Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center at (937) 225-4357.

Criminal Law