Rapper Bashar Barakah Jackson, known most famously as Pop Smoke, unfortunately, lost his life on Feb. 19, 2020, at age 20. His death has been ruled a homicide. Pop Smoke was shot and killed by Corey Walker, age 19, and Keandre Rodgers, age 18, during a home invasion. Both Walker and Rodgers were charged with murder.

Pop Smoke was buried in The Green-Wood Cemetery in New York City, New York. This gravesite has been brutally vandalized, including his marble plaque stating his birth name, date of birth and date of death. This plaque was found cracked and nearly broken completely. There were said to be various drag marks found below the grave. It is believed that the ones responsible for the damages to Pop Smoke’s grave attempted to drag out the casket residing within the grave. According to The Shade Room “It’s unclear if they were able to get into the casket or not. The story is still developing.”

Police estimate that around $500 worth of damage was made. There were no arrests made as of yet. Pop Smoke’s mother, Audrey Jackson, comments, “So, chips left over from them trying to break in or from it being fixed to at least have it covered,” Jackson also states, “But this was unnecessary, whoever you are.” Jackson, including fans of Pop Smoke, felt disappointed knowing someone vandalized his gravesite.

Senior Andre Akinyemi states, “Me personally, that type of stuff makes me sad because, like I like Pop Smoke, so yeah to see people do stuff like that it’s just a bad look.” Most agree and believe this act was very inconsiderate. Most believe this act is not necessary and very wrong.

Sophomore Jessica Marhefka says “[It’s] disrespectful, no one should be vandalized, especially people’s gravestones.”