Rising Rapper Arrested For Killing Beloved Advocate After String of Gun & Drug Charges

Real Bleeda was arrested Tuesday (June 10) in Baton Rouge for the 2024 killing of a local community leader, marking the latest in a series of violent incidents tied to the 22-year-old rapper.

Authorities say Real Bleeda, born David Catherine, is facing a first-degree murder charge in the September 15 shooting of Teressa Calligan, a respected educator and dean of coding for the Futures Fund at the Walls Project.

According to WBRZ, she was gunned down at the intersection of Airline Highway and Greenwell Street in Baton Rouge.

At the time of his arrest for the murder, Real Bleeda was already out on bond for unrelated gun and drug charges stemming from a January 2025 arrest.

His legal troubles escalated in May when he was caught on video allegedly brandishing a firearm during a confrontation with suspected rival gang members outside Pecanland Mall in Monroe.

That incident occurred Sunday (May 19) and was widely circulated on social media, helping police identify him.

He was arrested two days later on Tuesday (May 21) and booked on Tuesday (May 28) on two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, rioting and illegal weapons possession.

His bond in that case was set at $22,500, according to AllHipHop_._

Real Bleeda, a documented member of the Bleedas street gang, was also taken into custody again on Saturday (May 25) at a relative’s home in West Baton Rouge Parish.

That arrest added to growing scrutiny from law enforcement and state officials, especially after his controversial appearance at Park Forest Middle School earlier this year.

The murder of Calligan, a well-known advocate for youth education and tech access, has drawn widespread attention. Her death rattled the Baton Rouge community and prompted calls for accountability from civic leaders.

Real Bleeda is scheduled for a bond review hearing on Wednesday (July 17) and a motion hearing on Monday (August 12).