December 04, 2000
Snootie Wild’s murder case is gaining some traction as a man has been arrested and charged with allegedly shooting and killing the Memphis rapper back in February.
The incident transpired in Houston, Texas at around 2 a.m. local time on February 25, when a woman called the police claiming her car was stuck in a ditch and that Snootie (real name LePreston Porter) had drawn a gun on her as multiple people attempted to help her with her car.
The woman, who has remained anonymous, said she fled the scene as gunshots rang out, but didn’t know Porter had been shot. She said she heard several vehicles drive away from the scene.
According to ABC13, police arrived at the scene and discovered Snootie laying in a ditch fighting for his life after suffering a gunshot wound in the neck. He received CPR at the scene and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
Authorities announced on Thursday (December 15) that they had arrested 22-year-old Ivory Duke Williams, and charged him with murder in the 185th State District Court.
Snootie was a prominent Texas rapper signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group label (CMG), and had scored several hits over the years, including “Made Me” with K Camp and “Yayo” with Gotti. Following news of his death, Snootie’s family sent a statement to HipHopDX, expressing their devastation over such an unexpected loss.
“We are devastated by the untimely passing of our beloved LePreston Porter, known to the world as gold-selling and Billboard charting Hip Hop recording artist Snootie Wild,” the statement read. “He meant the world to us. A son, loving boyfriend, brother to four sisters, a father of seven, and a nephew and cousin to a host of others, he held many roles within our family and was a big kid at heart. LePreston was a beautiful, compassionate and talented soul whose presence was ever felt within our family.”
Described as a “man of the people,” Snootie Wild loved his fans, and the family is greatly appreciative of the outpouring of support they’ve received since his death.
“Though we ask for privacy at this time,” it continued, “we invite you to join us in not only remembering him and his music but also supporting our pursuit for answers and a thorough investigation by the Houston, TX police department that will bring his killers to justice.”
Other rappers paid tribute to Snootie Wild’s passing as well, including DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia, who prior to his death recalled the great times they spent together.
“Dammm bro!!!! Pray for the M-Town brother @snootiewild Shot & In Critical,” Paul wrote. “Mannn Snootie My Nikka, We Made Some Bump Together & He Always Kept It Real With Me… Even When He Wasn’t Suppose 2. #PrayforSnootieWild #memphis Legend.”