Chinx Murder Suspect Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter, Faces Decades in Prison

Chinx’s widow, Janelli Caceres, expressed her gratitude to the NYPD, the Queens DA, and friends and fans for keeping his memory and music legacy alive during an interview with Fox 5 NY’s Lisa Evers.

Chinx, whose real name was Lionel Pickens, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Queens, New York, in 2015 at the age of 31.

In December 2017, more than two years after Chinx’s death, suspects Homere and Jamar Hill were arrested and charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

New York Police lieutenant Richard Rudolph stated that the suspects allegedly “hunted down Chinx like an animal” due to a dispute that started when the rapper and Homere were both incarcerated at Rikers Island in 2009.

In an episode of WE tv’s Hip Hop Homicides that aired on Thanksgiving Day in 2022, Chinx’s longtime friend and collaborator French Montana reflected on Chinx’s potential, believing he would be a Top 5 MC if he were still alive today.

Praising Chinx’s work ethic, French Montana noted that Chinx “knew what it took,” highlighting his skill in “switching his flows” and his ability to adapt.

French Montana went on to say that he feels Chinx was actually a better rapper than himself, placing his friend among Hip Hop’s elite.

“He was 10 times better than me,” French said. “Because he saw all my mistakes. He was like a better version. Man, if Chinx was alive, Chinx would be Top 5.”