2 men convicted in murder of Philadelphia rapper D4M Skiano

Two men have been convicted on murder charges in the July 2020 killing of up-and-coming Philadelphia rapper D4M Skiano, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced in a news conference on Tuesday.

D4M Skiano, whose real name is Aamir Johnson Daye, was shot on the 1400 block of North 61st Street in the city's Overbrook neighborhood on July 5, 2020. Multiple people fired guns into a home in the shooting, Krasner said.

Donovan Williams, 24, was found guilty of first-degree murder and other offenses last week after a trial. A judge then sentenced him to life in prison without parole plus an additional 46-92 years.

Another man, Bahij Dini, previously pled guilty to third-degree murder and conspiracy and was sentenced to 13-42 years in prison.

Several people, including children, were inside the home when the shooting occurred, Krasner said. At least one bullet went through the home's front window and lodged into a wall, though no one inside the home was hurt.

Prosecutors said Williams was seen on surveillance video driving to the 1400 block of 61st Street and pulling up as Daye and another man walked by.

Williams and two other men are seen getting out of the car, running after Daye and the other man, then Williams is seen shooting at Daye before the group runs back to the vehicle.

Williams was also linked to the gun used in the killing, Krasner's office said in a news release.

The shooting was connected to the July 5 killing of 15-year-old Angelo Walker, a Frankford High School football player who was fatally shot on the 6100 block of Nassau Road that night, Jeff Hojnowski, assistant chief of the Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Unit, said.

Investigators believe Williams went to the hospital and found out Walker was killed, then went to a home in Overbrook and fatally shot Daye, and wounded others.

"We believe that may be a motive," Hojnowski said.

Daye's parents released a statement on the conviction.

"Our son loved his family and was a talented musician. His death is an experience we wouldn't wish upon anyone," said Daye's parents. "We want to thank everybody who worked tirelessly to find justice for our son. This month is his birthday month, so the outcome of this case is the best present we could receive."  

Investigators are still seeking at least one other person in connection with the case and are asking anyone with information to come forward.