Authorities say Jerome, whose real name is Christopher Jerome Blanton Jr., opened fire on Monday, August 18, believing that the victim, 32-year-old Cody Davontae Scott, was following him.
What Led to the Shooting
According to investigators, the shooting unfolded around 3 p.m. in Fort Worth. Blanton told police he first noticed a gray car at a gas station along East Berry Street. Moments later, he saw the same vehicle driving ahead of him.
Feeling threatened, Blanton said he pulled alongside the car and fired at least two shots after claiming he saw the outline of a gun. One of the bullets struck Scott, causing his vehicle to crash into a utility pole.
Scott was rushed to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he died the following day in the intensive care unit.
Police: No Prior Connection Between Victim and Suspect
Fort Worth Police spokesperson Buddy Calzada stressed that investigators found no evidence of a confrontation or road rage incident.
“This individual who shot at the victim believed he was being followed or chased,” Calzada said. “There was no relationship between the two. They didn’t know each other.”
Two witnesses at the scene also contradicted Blanton’s claim that Scott had a gun, according to the arrest affidavit.
Victim Leaves Behind Young Daughter
Scott, who operated a trucking business with his father, is survived by his six-month-old daughter. Friends and family members have described him as a hardworking man devoted to his family and community.
Support and Controversy Around the Artist
Blanton was initially held at the Fort Worth detention facility on a $30,000 bond. Dallas rapper Dorrough later posted on social media that Jerome had been released, calling the shooting an “unfortunate situation” but defending the artist’s character.
“This is a young man with a good heart, real morals, and real values,” Dorrough wrote. “He’s about family, respect, and is one of the most solid people I’ve been around.”
Rising Career Cut Short
Before his arrest, Jerome had been gaining attention in the Texas music scene with tracks like “Barn Don’t Close,” “Beautiful Day,” and “Funky Town Lullaby.” By mid-2023, he had amassed more than 3 million streams and signed a record deal with Nashville-based Average Joes Entertainment.
Now, as he faces the possibility of decades in prison, the future of his career remains uncertain while Scott’s family mourns an irreplaceable loss.
