New York drill rapper Kay Flock has been found guilty on multiple charges related to his alleged involvement in the Sev Side gang. On Thursday (March 20), a jury returned “mostly—but not all—guilty” verdicts in his RICO trial, according to reports from Inner City Press.
The 20-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kevin Perez, was convicted of:
- Racketeering conspiracy
- Use of a firearm resulting in death
- Attempted murder
- Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
- Use of a firearm for attempted murder and assault
However, he was acquitted of murder in aid of racketeering.
U.S. Attorney’s Statement on the Verdict
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky of the Southern District of New York issued an official statement following the verdict, emphasizing Kay Flock’s role as a gang leader:
“Kevin Perez, a/k/a ‘Kay Flock,’ was the leader of a neighborhood street gang known as Sev Side / DOA, and with that gang, he committed a series of gang-motivated shootings. Perez, a drill rapper, instilled fear across the community with his violent actions and then threatened rivals, bragged about shootings, and taunted victims in his rap lyrics. But as a unanimous jury has now found, Perez can no longer hide behind his music and instead will be held to account for his violent crimes.”
Podolsky also praised law enforcement for dismantling the cycle of violence that had plagued The Bronx and surrounding areas.
The Case Against Kay Flock
Kay Flock and seven others—including Devon Mason, Ervin Beamon, Nicholas Johnson, Jossi Castro, Iszayah Rowson, Mitchell Grant, and Sean Smith—were arrested in February 2023 and charged with multiple murders and shootings in The Bronx from 2020 to 2022.
The prosecution’s case largely revolved around the murder of 24-year-old Hwascar Hernandez, who was fatally shot outside a Harlem barbershop on December 16, 2021. According to the NYPD, Hernandez was gunned down in the neck and back after attempting to flee when he spotted Kay Flock walking past the shop.
Throughout the trial, Kay Flock’s legal team argued that the shooting was in self-defense, but the jury ultimately ruled against him on most charges.
What’s Next for Kay Flock?
With his sentencing scheduled for July 16, Kay Flock faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. The severity of his punishment will depend on the judge’s final ruling, but his conviction on racketeering and firearm charges could lead to decades behind bars.
Stay tuned for updates as the case continues to unfold.
