Rapper Cassidy has issued a statement following his conviction last week of manslaughter over the death of his friend Des Hawkins. As previously reported, Cassidy, real name Barry Reese, was jailed last week for his involvement in the shooting that led to Hawkins' death. Hawkins was seemingly killed by mistake as he approached Reese's home in Philadelphia - the rapper and his entourage had armed the property in anticipation of a shootout. Hawkins, though, was coming to the house as a kind of 'peacemaker' to try and resolve various ongoing feuds. Reese was jailed on the basis that he was "grossly negligent for supplying the guns that killed Hawkins".
In a statement issued via his lawyer, Reese said this week: "While I am pleased that I was cleared of the murder charges, my satisfaction is not long-lasting, because of the death of someone who I considered to be my friend, Des Hawkins. And while I am eager to resume my career as a recording artist, writer and performer, I am also eager to be reunited with my family, friends, and fans. I too share the important message stated in court by Des's dad, who urged all parents to love their children and to be there for them. As the father of a young child myself, spending much time on the road and in the studio, away from home, I am relieved that I will soon be home for family and my career."
Although Reese was handed a 23 month sentence, he has been in custody since his arrest last June, so with time off for good behaviour he could out of prison within a few months. He plans to get on with his third album as soon as he's released.