AllHipHop.com has confirmed that Joven Pineda Deala, brother of Black Eyed peas member apl.de.ap, was shot and killed yesterday (February 3) in the Philippines.
According to Chief Inspector Wilfredo Paulo, Deala’s girlfriend witnessed the murder.
The pair was reportedly eating in the victim’s car while outside the woman’s Angeles City home.
After the slaying, the gunmen allegedly fled the scene on foot. Deala, struck with a mortal head wound, died on the way to a nearby hospital.
At press time the police have no suspects, but confirmed they are looking for two individuals. Chief Inspector Paulo elaborated there was no apparent motive for the attack.
apl.de.ap is a founding member of the international superstar group Black Eyed Peas.
Since forming in 1992 under Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records, the Los Angeles-based group has undergone several musical and lineup transformations in route to selling 27 million records worldwide.
The group’s fifth album, The E.N.D. (The Energy never Dies), is slated to be released in May.
apl.de.ap has not released an official statement on the tragic crime, but has confirmed he will attend his brother’s funeral. Joven Pineda Deala was 21 years old.