Forensic Errors Cloud Takeoff Murder Case

Photo Courtesy HPD

The trial of Patrick Clark, the suspect accused of fatally shooting Migos rapper Takeoff, faces potential complications following revelations of forensic mishandling by a former Houston Forensic Science Center analyst, Rochelle Austen, who has now been terminated.

Documents obtained by Houston media outlet ABC13 highlight Austen's errors. These errors include switching DNA samples and violating chain of custody procedures, prompting scrutiny over their impact on Clark's case.

Takeoff, whose real name was Kirshnik Khari Ball, was killed outside a Houston bowling alley on November 1, 2022, sending shockwaves throughout the music industry. A pivotal member of the Grammy-nominated group Migos, Takeoff was known for his laidback demeanor and intricate flow that helped propel the group's success and influence countless artists.

Houston Forensic analyst Rochelle Austin fired after Mishandling DNA evidence in many cases. She is the analyst for Takeoff’s murder case against Patrick Clark, and was supposed to serve as a witness. They’re not aware if she mishandled his case as of now. It is being looked…

— Good Job, O (@InternationalO) April 18, 2024

"Since she did mess up, they can never put her on the stand again, and the defense attorney would vigorously cross-examine her," said defense attorney Murray Newman, highlighting the potential impact of the revelations on the trial.

While details surrounding the shooting remain murky, prosecutors allege Clark's involvement in a dice game altercation that escalated to gunfire. Security footage reportedly captured Clark firing a weapon, with a nearby camera providing crucial evidence. His fingerprints were also found on a wine bottle left at the scene. Clark maintains his innocence.

On this day, Takeoff, one third of the rap group Migos, was shot and killed outside of a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.

Police were able to use surveillance footage, cell phone videos, and fingerprints from a wine bottle to identify the suspect as 33-year-old Patrick Clark of… pic.twitter.com/iiB2FqWers

— Investigation Discovery (@DiscoveryID) November 1, 2023

The Harris County District Attorney's Office, proactively addressing potential issues, filed 392 Brady Notices, including one in Clark's case, notifying defense attorneys of the evidence mishandling.

Clark's attorney, Letitia Quinones, expressed concern, indicating plans to investigate how the errors might affect the defense. "This is something of concern for us, and we will be investigating it to see exactly how it affects our client's case," Quinones said.

Surveillance footage allegedly depicts Clark holding a gun and leaving behind a wine bottle, with his fingerprints linking him to the scene. However, FOX 26 Houston's Legal Analyst, Chris Tritico, emphasized the importance of maintaining a chain of custody in forensic science, suggesting that compromised evidence could weaken the prosecution's case.

Takeoff murder suspect Patrick Clark was able to post the $1 million bond and was released from jail

🔗:https://t.co/Gwa3Fa0K29 pic.twitter.com/dRf7UTNDZF

— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) January 5, 2023

Clark, who posted a $1 million bond in January 2023, anticipates returning to court on May 29. The revelations of forensic errors add a layer of complexity to the case, prompting heightened scrutiny.

Timeline:
Nov. 1, 2022: Takeoff is fatally shot.
Dec. 2022: Patrick Clark is arrested and charged with murder.
May. 2023: Grand jury indicts Clark on murder charges.
Dec. 2023: Clark is released on bond with house arrest restrictions.
March 2024: Forensic analyst Rochelle Austen is terminated, and her mishandling of evidence, including a chain of custody mix-up in Clark's case, is revealed.
April 2024: Clark's house arrest restrictions are lifted.

Grammy-Winning Rapper GloRilla Faces DUI Charges

Suwanee Police Department

Gloria Hallelujah Woods, known by her stage name GloRilla, was arrested at 2:15 a.m. Tuesday in Suwanee, Gwinnett County, on suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to the Suwanee Police Department, Woods was pulled over for making an illegal U-turn at a red light. During the traffic stop, an officer reported smelling the odor of alcohol on Woods' breath and marijuana in her vehicle. Woods acknowledged drinking but denied being impaired.

glorilla: “do you know who i am”

officer: “no..”

glorilla: “oh” pic.twitter.com/ZDf6owIH76

— 🍪 (@ONIKACOOKIE) April 18, 2024

Video footage of the arrest reveals a conversation where Woods asked the officer, "Do you know who I am?" When the officer replied in the negative, Woods expressed surprise and later stated, "It don't matter who I am.

The police report also indicates that Woods briefly exposed part of her chest during questioning. The officer informed her of the wardrobe malfunction.

Woods failed field sobriety tests, including the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand, according to the police report. She declined to take a breathalyzer test, leading to her arrest on charges of DUI, possession of an open container, and failure to obey a traffic control device.

Woods was released from the Gwinnett County Jail after posting a $1,956 bond.

GloRilla, a Grammy-winning rapper, rose to fame with her viral hit "F.N.F. (Let's Go)." She has earned accolades at the BET Hip Hop Awards and American Music Awards. Her debut extended play (EP), "Anyways, Life's Great..." was met with critical acclaim.

B.I.G.'s Legacy Lives On: 'Ready to Die' Officially a National Treasure

The Library of Congress has announced the latest additions to the National Recording Registry, with notable selections including ABBA's "Dancing Queen," Blondie's "Parallel Lines" and The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die."

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden unveiled the 25 new titles on Tuesday, citing their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance in the nation's recorded sound heritage. The registry now boasts 650 titles, representing a diverse array of music genres and eras.

In addition to The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die," other inductees include Gene Autry's rendition of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Héctor Lavoe's "El Cantante" and Green Day's "Dookie." The selection process involved input from the National Recording Preservation Board, which considered landmark recordings spanning from 1919 to 1998.

Hayden emphasized the importance of preserving America's musical legacy, stating, "The Library of Congress is proud to preserve the sounds of American history and our diverse culture through the National Recording Registry."

“Ready to Die” was both the debut studio album & the only album released by The Notorious B.I.G. before he was murdered in 1997. A landmark of rap & hip-hop, it features B.I.G.'s smooth delivery, vivid storytelling, humor, eroticism & creative sampling skills. #NatRecRegistry pic.twitter.com/wCeWFknv8Q

— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) April 16, 2024

The recognition of "Ready to Die" marks a milestone for hip-hop, as the album, released in 1994, serves as both The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut studio album and his only full-length studio release during his lifetime. B.I.G. was killed in 1997, and his music continues to influence new artists.

Produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and featuring hit singles like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," "Ready to Die" is celebrated for its innovative sampling, raw lyricism, and vivid portrayal of street life. The album achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, earning a 6x Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Quotes from music critics reflect the album's enduring impact: "One of the greatest rap albums ever made" (AllMusic), "A near-flawless debut...he effortlessly spins tales both gritty and witty" (Entertainment Weekly), and "It changed the sound of East Coast rap and revitalized the entire New York hip-hop scene" (Source Magazine).

The induction of "Ready to Die" into the National Recording Registry underscores its cultural significance and contribution to the evolution of hip-hop music. As part of the registry, the album will be preserved for future generations to appreciate and study.

Find a complete listing of this year's selections below.

Recordings Selected for the 2024 National Recording Registry

• “Clarinet Marmalade” – Lt. James Reese Europe’s 369th U.S. Infantry Band (1919)
• “Kauhavan Polkka” – Viola Turpeinen and John Rosendahl (1928)
• Wisconsin Folksong Collection (1937-1946)
• “Rose Room” – Benny Goodman Sextet with Charlie Christian (1939)
• “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry (1949)
• “Tennessee Waltz” – Patti Page (1950)
• “Rocket ‘88’” – Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats (1951) 
• “Catch a Falling Star” / ”Magic Moments” – Perry Como (1957)
• “Chances Are” – Johnny Mathis (1957) 
• “The Sidewinder” – Lee Morgan (1964)
• “Surrealistic Pillow” – Jefferson Airplane (1967)
• “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers (1971)
• “This is a Recording” – Lily Tomlin (1971)
• “J.D. Crowe & the New South” – J.D. Crowe & the New South (1975)
• “Arrival” – ABBA (1976)
• “El Cantante” – Héctor Lavoe (1978)
• “The Cars” – The Cars (1978) 
• “Parallel Lines” – Blondie (1978)
• “La-Di-Da-Di” – Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick (MC Ricky D) (1985)
• “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
• “Amor Eterno” – Juan Gabriel (1990)
• “Pieces of Africa” – Kronos Quartet (1992)
• “Dookie” – Green Day (1994)
• “Ready to Die” – The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
• “Wide Open Spaces” – The Chicks (1998)