Man Charged With Killing Nicki Minaj’s Tour Manager
A man has been charged with killing Nicki Minaj’s tour manager De’Von Pickett. According to People magazine, Pierce Boykin was arrested and charged with the murder of De’Von Pickett.
De’Von Pickett and Eric Parker, two members of Minaj’s crew, were working on the tour in Philadelphia for the March 16 launch in Sweden. Boykin allegedly stabbed Pickett and Parker outside of the Che Bar & Grill on February 18. At the time both men were rehearsing in Philadelphia for Nicki Minaj’s “The Pinkprint Tour.” The stabbing put Parker in the hospital, but fortunately Parker went on to survive the incident.
According to NBC 10, Pickett’s cousin told the news organization, “I guess they were out celebrating and things went wrong.”
At the time the stabbing occurred both men were escorting a woman to her car. The woman is a bartender of the Che Bar & Grill, which they were outside of. A group approached the two men and the woman. When Parker asked the woman if she was okay, a fight broke out.
The men were rushed to Albert Einstein Medical Center. Pickett was stabbed in his torso, and Parker had stab wounds on his left arm and his side. Once the men arrived to the medical center, Pickett was pronounced dead. As of right now Parker is said to be in “fair condition.”
After the news hit, Minaj sent out a tweet later on February 18. Pickett’s funeral was days later in Brooklyn on February 21.
Two members of my team were stabbed last night in Philly. One was killed. They had only been there for two days rehearsing for the tour.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 18, 2015
After Nicki Minaj tweeted, many of her fans sent her messages of support after the tragedy.
@NICKIMINAJ Oh my God. My condolences. I’m so sorry, babe.
— March 14th. (@Jayveri) February 18, 2015
@NICKIMINAJ that’s so bad. RIP I can’t believe that
— Britt (@BrittanyMinaj) February 18, 2015
my condolences goes out to you guys @NICKIMINAJ
— Naomì. (@CC_Certified) February 18, 2015
@NICKIMINAJ my prayers go out to you, your team, and their families… tragic.
— Virgin Mary Beyonce (@OnikaIsOurQueen) February 18, 2015
Singer Rihanna, who also worked with Pickett, sent her condolences on Instagram.
She captioned a picture of the late tour manager with the following message. “Can’t believe this is true! One of the nicest, coolest, funniest people I’ve ever met and toured with! We had so much fun together!!! Sad to lose a beautiful spirit like yours #RIPDayDay.”
[Photo by Neilson Barnard / Getty Images]
