OMB Bloodbath is back in court for a second federal trial in a murder case tied to an alleged Houston gang war. According to a report from the Houston Chronicle, the rapper, born Alexandra Nicks, and her associate Shaquile Richards are facing murder in aid of racketeering charges. A federal jury failed to reach a verdict in their first trial seven months ago, resulting in a mistrial.
Prosecutors allege that Bloodbath and Richards led the 100% Third Ward Gang, also known as the 103 Gang, during a violent feud with a rival group throughout the 2010s. Authorities claim the pair helped organize a 2017 shooting targeting a member of Young Scott Block that left 52-year-old bystander Samuel Johnson dead.
Neither Bloodbath nor Richards were accused of being at the scene of the shooting, but prosecutors argue that texts, recorded jail calls, and other evidence demonstrate their role in coordinating the attack. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Zenon-Matos told jurors the case is not about the shooters themselves, but rather the alleged power structure behind the violence.
During the initial trial, a key witness testified that neither defendant ordered the shooting, while their defense attorneys maintained that prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence linking them to the crime. Ahead of this retrial, prosecutors revealed they gained access to the rapper’s previously locked phone after a computer program reportedly cracked the device following four years of attempts. Although defense attorneys argued that this new evidence was provided too late, the judge has allowed the proceedings to move forward.
Both defendants have remained in custody since their initial indictment. The new trial, which began following jury selection on July 9, is expected to last approximately two weeks. If convicted, both OMB Bloodbath and Richards face potential life sentences in federal prison.