PROSECUTORS CLAIM RAPPER SHOT PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND
In a Tampa courtroom Thursday, state attorneys continued their case against local rapper Billy Adams, who is accused of killing 22‑year‑old Alana Sims and her unborn child in January 2023. Investigators say Sims was shot in the head from about three feet away at a secluded spot in Easton Park, New Tampa, while she was five months pregnant.
Alleged “main” girlfriend testifies
Lakenya Brantley, identified by prosecutors as Adams’ alleged “main” girlfriend, took the stand to describe the couple’s relationship. Brantley testified that she and Adams called each other husband and wife. She read a series of text messages she sent to Adams the day before the shooting, including one that said, “I’m just so sad, because I thought we was gonna have a real relationship.” When asked to confirm the next message, Brantley replied, “Correct,” and read, “She’s pregnant and still here. Who is she? ‘Alana.’”
During cross‑examination, Brantley acknowledged she had known Sims was pregnant for some time and that Adams told her he was not the father. When the defense asked whether Sims’ pregnancy would have ended their relationship, Brantley answered, “No.”
Police interview footage shown to jurors
Jurors also viewed roughly two hours of video footage showing Tampa Police Department detectives interviewing Adams at his home and at police headquarters. In the headquarters interview, Adams denied ever seeing or speaking to Sims on the night she was killed, stating, “I never saw her. We didn’t talk.” Detectives highlighted that both Adams and Sims lived in the same subdivision and that surveillance placed Adams in the area at the exact time of the murder.
Potential death‑penalty case
The prosecution says the evidence points to a motive rooted in jealousy and a desire to continue his relationship with another woman. If convicted, Adams could face the death penalty. The state is expected to present additional evidence on Friday, and it remains unclear whether Adams will testify in his own defense.
This trial underscores the tragic loss of an unborn child and the community’s demand for justice in a case that has shocked Tampa residents.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
