Police Officer Charged With Murder Of London Rapper Itch

Chris Kaba was shot in a police chase, and a police watchdog's probe into the incident resulted in a potential conviction.

BYGabriel Bras Nevares
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An unnamed police officer fatally shot rising London rapper Itch back on September 5 of last year, and might now face dire consequences for it. Moreover, following a probe by a law enforcement watchdog, authorities charged the cop (whose name is unknown for legal liability reasons) with murder, according to a Wednesday (September 20) report from The Sun. Itch, real name Chris Kaba, was 24 and expecting a child. He passed away following a high-speed police chase where he was struck by bullets and taken to a South West London hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Itch's drill group, 67, received a nomination for MOBO's Best Newcomer during their 2016 awards show.

"Chris was so very loved by our family and all his friends,” Itch's family remarked in a statement. “He had a bright future ahead of him, but his life was cut short. Our family and our wider community must see justice for Chris. We welcome this charging decision, which could not have come too soon. Now we await the trial of the firearms officer without delay and hope and pray that justice will be served."

Read More: U.K. Rapper Mist Hospitalized After Getting Shot During Armed Robbery: Report

Itch Murder Case Sees A Charge

"They’ve taken my heart," Itch's mother Elaine Kaba expressed in addition. "My son is gone, I’m heartbroken." "We’re devastated, we don’t know what to think, we can’t think straight right now," the MC's father Prosper stated. "He was always joking around, he enjoyed life, he had lots of friends. He was looking forward to being a father. His girlfriend is still in shock. He was looking forward to teaching his daughter how to talk and walking and all fatherly duties. He had wanted to be a father for a long time." In addition, Director Amanda Rowe of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) informed the press that the charged officer is due at the Westminster Magistrates' court today (Thursday, September 21).

"Our thoughts remain with Mr Kaba’s family and everyone affected by this tragic incident,” Rowe said. “It’s important now that criminal proceedings are able to run their course. We would reiterate the importance of not reporting, commenting or sharing information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings." "We have fully supported the IOPC investigation as it has worked to establish the facts," Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap added on. "Today’s announcement is a significant and serious development. We must now allow the court process to run its course so it would not be appropriate for me to say more at this stage. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this case."
Rest In Peace Chris Kaba.

Read More: London Rapper Unknown T Charged With Murder

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About The Author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is a music and pop culture news writer for HotNewHipHop. He started in 2022 as a weekend writer and, since joining the team full-time, has developed a strong knowledge in hip-hop news and releases. Whether it’s regular coverage or occasional interviews and album reviews, he continues to search for the most relevant news for his audience and find the best new releases in the genre. What excites him the most is finding pop culture stories of interest, as well as a deeper passion for the art form of hip-hop and its contemporary output. Specifically, Gabriel enjoys the fringes of rap music: the experimental, boundary-pushing, and raw alternatives to the mainstream sound. As a proud native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he also stays up-to-date with the archipelago’s local scene and its biggest musical exponents in reggaetón, salsa, indie, and beyond. Before working at HotNewHipHop, Gabriel produced multiple short documentaries, artist interviews, venue spotlights, and audio podcasts on a variety of genres and musical figures. Hardcore punk and Go-go music defined much of his coverage during his time at the George Washington University in D.C. His favorite hip-hop artists working today are Tyler, The Creator, Boldy James, JPEGMAFIA, and Earl Sweatshirt.