Takeoff's Accused Killer Won't Face Trial Until 2027

The murder case surrounding Takeoff's death was finally supposed to reach a jury this week. Instead, the trial of Patrick Xavier Clark, who is accused of fatally shooting the Migos rapper in Houston, has been pushed into 2027. The postponement comes just days after the fourth anniversary of Takeoff's death, extending an already lengthy legal process for a case that has remained in the public eye since November 2022.

Court documents obtained by XXL on Tuesday (Nov. 3) show that Clark's trial is now scheduled to begin on April 15, 2027. Jury selection had previously been set for November 5, with opening proceedings expected the following week. The publication didn't specify what prompted the postponement. Clark, who was arrested in December 2022, has pleaded not guilty to murder and remains free on a $1 million bond. He could face life in prison if convicted.

The case stems from a shooting outside 810 Billiards & Bowling in downtown Houston, where Takeoff was attending a private gathering with his uncle and fellow Migos member, Quavo. An argument connected to a dice game escalated into gunfire, leaving the 28-year-old rapper dead. Investigators maintained that Takeoff wasn't involved in the dispute and was an innocent bystander. Other attendees were also wounded.

Prosecutors allege that surveillance footage captured Clark firing a weapon toward a group of people. Investigators also recovered his fingerprints from a wine bottle found near the shooting. However, his attorneys have disputed the prosecution's account and maintained that he wasn't responsible for Takeoff's death. In March, Clark recruited a new defense team, including prominent Houston attorneys Kent Schaffer and Dan Cogdell.

More recently, Clark's legal team requested permission to independently examine bullets and other evidence held by the Houston Police Department. The September filing sought access for an expert to conduct a separate analysis ahead of trial. The request raised questions about how the defense intends to challenge the forensic evidence, although there's no indication that it caused the latest scheduling change.

The criminal proceedings aren't the only legal matter connected to Takeoff's death. His mother, Titania Davenport, reached an undisclosed settlement with the bowling alley's operators after filing a wrongful death lawsuit. She is now in a separate dispute with Takeoff's father, Kenneth Ball, over how that money is divided. Quavo and Offset have been identified as potential witnesses in that matter, although neither has confirmed they will testify.