Philly drill rapper charged in three homicides tied to street gangs and music rivalries
PHILADELPHIA, PA – A Philadelphia rapper known as “BlumbergEerd” or “Rookie of the Year” has been charged in three separate homicides linked to violent street group activity, following a months-long manhunt and grand jury investigation, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
Tayvine Jones, 25, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and related offenses for fatal shootings that occurred in 2020 and 2022. Prosecutors say Jones, a known affiliate of the Blumberg/Black Flag gang and prominent figure in Philadelphia’s drill rap scene, was directly involved in three killings in North and Northeast Philadelphia.
The charges stem from fatal shootings on:
- August 23, 2020, at 2215 West Diamond Street, where 16-year-old Heyward Garrison was killed.
- May 25, 2022, at 1600 West Erie Avenue, where Wesley Rodwell was shot multiple times after reportedly posting a music video taunting Black Flag.
- September 26, 2022, at 1600 Creston Street, where another victim was shot and killed in an ambush-style attack.
Jones is also facing a felony charge of Intimidation of a Witness or Victim for the Erie Avenue case. Co-defendants in the 2022 shootings — Dymer Purnell, Deshawn Kinsler, and Michael Nelson — are all currently in custody awaiting trial.
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Jones had been on the run since April 2024, evading capture by moving frequently, altering his digital footprint, wearing masks, and only traveling at night. The arrest came after a joint investigation by the District Attorney’s Gun Violence Task Force, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals.
The 32nd Investigating Grand Jury found probable cause to charge Jones and confirmed his membership in Black Flag, a group allegedly feuding with rival crew Zoo Gang.
District Attorney officials credited the extensive forensic and investigative work that led to Jones’ capture, highlighting the contributions of Assistant District Attorneys, agents, analysts, and marshals involved in the case.
Separately, the District Attorney’s Office is also promoting its “Hope for the Holidays” initiative, which offers support to co-survivors of homicide victims during the holiday season.
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Key Points
- Tayvine Jones, known as “BlumbergEerd,” was charged in three gang-related Philadelphia homicides
- Jones had been a fugitive since April 2024, using tactics to avoid capture by law enforcement
- Victims include a 16-year-old and a rapper allegedly targeted over a taunting music video
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