In a case that has brought prolonged pain and sorrow to the family of rapper Chinx, Quincy Homere has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the 2015 manslaughter of the rising star. Chinx, whose real name was Lionel Du Fon Pickens, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting while stopped at a red light in Briarwood, Queens. The sentencing, which took place after Homere pleaded guilty to the charge in July, marks a significant moment in the lengthy pursuit of justice for the beloved rapper’s family and friends.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the severity of Homere’s actions in a statement following the sentencing. “Homere fired numerous rounds into Pickens’ car while he was stopped at a red light and then fled, leaving the young man for dead,” Katz said. “Nothing can undo what happened, but I hope today’s sentence brings some solace to Pickens’ loved ones as they continue to grieve.”
Chinx’s death was not only a tragic loss for his family but also for the hip-hop community, where he was signed to French Montana’s record label and had featured prominently on several of Montana’s Coke Boys mixtapes. His career was on the rise when it was abruptly and violently cut short, leaving a void in the music world and among his fans.
During the sentencing, Chinx’s widow, Janelli Caceres, delivered an emotional statement that highlighted the deep personal impact of her husband’s murder. “I was told I had two minutes to say goodbye, holding his mother’s hand, watching his lifeless body, praying and crying for him to wake up,” Caceres recounted. “A mother has to bury her son. At the age of 28, I became a widow. My children, who were 15, 11, and 4, are now without a dad.”
Homere expressed his remorse during the court hearing, though his words did little to ease the pain felt by Chinx’s family. “I’d like to express my condolences to the family and anyone else that was affected by what happened here,” Homere said, according to Billboard. “I don’t believe there are words that can express the way I feel about what transpired here.”
The case against Homere’s co-defendant, Jamar Hill, remains unresolved as he is currently incarcerated for an unrelated charge. The outcome of Hill’s case will be closely watched as the final chapter of this tragic story unfolds.
As Chinx’s family continues to cope with their loss, the sentence handed down to Homere is a reminder of the ongoing impact of gun violence and the irreplaceable loss it inflicts on communities and families.