Breaking News: Opa Locka Rapper Toro Gunned Down

Early this morning, Opa-Locka-based rapper Toro, was shot and killed in Miami. The artist, whose real name is Derek Johnson, 23, was killed in a drive-by shooting while leaving Coco's Strip Club at around 4 am. Toro, who was signed to Iconz Music, was a popular local rapper that didn't...

By Jonathan Cunningham

October 18, 2008

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Early this morning, Opa-Locka-based rapper Toro, was shot and killed in Miami. The artist, whose real name is Derek Johnson, 23, was killed in a drive-by shooting while leaving Coco's Strip Club at around 4 am.

Toro, who was signed to Iconz Music, was a popular local rapper that didn't warrant much mainstream radio play, but was well received throughout Miami-Dade county because of his music.

Details are still sketchy, but according to Jay Fentz,CEO of Iconz Music, Toro had just finished his newest recording, "I Do This" early Friday night, and was trying to get his record played at a few local nightclubs.

He was at Miami's Club 112 earlier in the evening, then left, and headed to Coco's to give a copy of his new song to the DJ there. Upon leaving Coco's, he was sitting in his vehicle along with his cousin when a silver sedan pulled up and sprayed Toro's car with gunfire. Toro was killed at the scene and his cousin was shot in the leg, but is expected to recover.

So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide, but if anyone has details regarding this shooting, please reach out to Miami-Dade's homicide bureau at 305-471-2400 or Miami-Dade CrimeStoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477)

--Jonathan Cunningham

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