Members of the Southern Hip-Hop community are showing their support for Juvenile this week, as news of the rapper’s tragic personal loss continues to spread.
As investigators continue to search for a motive in the murders of Juvenile’s four-year-old daughter Jelani, her 11-year-old sister Micaiah and their mother Joy Deleston, many have come forward with prayers and words of support.
"I love Juve like a brother," long-time friend and collaborator B.G. told AllHipHop.com. "We came up together as Hot Boys. Now we are men, fathers with families. I send out my prayers to Juve and his family as well as my sympathy to him. In our lives, Juve and I have seen a lot of death and lost a lot of friends too soon. But nothing can compare to what Juve has lost - his baby girl. My heart goes out to my homie and I am sure that I can speak for all of New Orleans during this difficult time: we want him to know that we praying for him, we love him and we support him through this and forever."
The funeral for Deleston and her two daughters is slated to take place this week in South Carolina, where Deleston was born and raised.
"I send my prayers and condolences to Juvenile and his family during this tragic event," said UGK co-founder Bun B, who’s own grief over the loss of partner Pimp C. is still fresh on the minds of Southern Hip-Hop fans. "I cannot imagine the pain he must be feeling."
Gwinnett County Deputy Joy Deleston, 39 and her daughters where found dead on Thursday (Feb 28) in their Lawrenceville, GA home, about 30 miles north of Atlanta.
Deleston’s 17-year-old son Anthony Terrell, Jr. was arrested the following day and charged with the murders, to which authorities say he has confessed.
"I would seriously be considering the death penalty in this case if he was eligible," Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter told WSB-TV Channel 2.
Because of a US Supreme Court hearing, Terrell faces a maximum of life in prison for each of the three charges instead.
If ran consecutively, the sentences would make Terrell eligible for parole in forty years, Porter added.
Investigators have yet to determine an explanation for the shocking crime, having executed three search warrants, in part looking for illegal or prescription drugs that might have played a part in the boy’s behavior.
None were found at the home.
According to Porter, interviews with some of Deleston’s co-workers did indicate "a history of disputes" between the woman and her son.
This most recent tragedy is reflective of a rise in violent crimes involving teens and guns, not only in Atlanta – where another 16-year-old was arrested just two weeks ago following two bus stop shootings in neighboring Dekalb County; but across the country as well.
"It’s crazy what’s going on with these kids and guns, man," Memphis pioneer Eightball told AllHipHop.com after learning of Juvenile’s tragedy. "We had three school shootings here in Memphis in the last few weeks. We gotta figure out what’s going on!"
"My prayers are with him at this time and may God continue to give him strength to deal with such a terrible loss. This is devastating for such a beautiful family all gone too soon!" – Trina
"My prayers, along with everyone from BLOCK ENT, go out to Juvenile....It is a terrible loss" - Block
