Busta Rhymes Bodyguard Killed

One of Busta Rhymes‘ bodyguards was shot and killed February 5th outside a Brooklyn, N.Y., warehouse where a music video was being filmed. Police want to question the rapper.

Officials said Israel Ramirez, 29, died from a single shot to the chest. Rhymes was not injured and was reportedly among several potential witnesses who left the scene.

“We believe Busta Rhymes may have been on the street when the shooting took place,” Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said.

Investigators are seeking a court order for the video shot inside the warehouse, which may provide clues to what led to the shooting. Police believe an argument that started inside the building moved to the street.

“There was some pushing and shoving going on when an individual took out a gun and fired at least eight shots,” Kelly said.

Witnesses told police that G-Unit member Tony Yayo, who was at the filming, had gotten upset earlier that night but said Rhymes calmed him down. Yayo’s lawyer said his client denies any involvement in the shooting.

As to a motive, The New York Times reported a dispute between the film crew and another group of men may have sparked the violence. A witness said the trouble started when the men allegedly ignored repeated requests to keep quiet and words were exchanged.