A federal judge declared a mistrial late Tuesday in the racketeering murder case against Houston rapper OMB Bloodbath after jurors reported they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict, abruptly halting a high-profile prosecution tied to a 2017 fatal shooting in Houston’s Third Ward.
The ruling ended the trial of Alexandra Nicks, who performs as OMB Bloodbath, and her co-defendant Shaquile O’Neal Richards. After deliberating for roughly 20 hours over three days, the 12-member jury informed the court it was deadlocked. Under federal law, unanimity is required for either a conviction or an acquittal. The court then declared a mistrial.
Federal prosecutors must now determine whether to retry the case or seek an alternative resolution. Both defendants remain in federal custody.
Nicks and Richards were charged in 2023 with murder in aid of racketeering, accused of helping orchestrate a retaliatory shooting carried out by members and associates of the 100% Third Ward Gang, also known as the 103 Gang. Prosecutors alleged the attack was intended to target a rival gang member but instead killed Sam Johnson, a 53-year-old bystander.
Johnson was fatally shot on Oct. 16, 2017, when gunmen traveling in a stolen vehicle opened fire along London Street, according to authorities. Johnson, a convenience store clerk, was struck while walking nearby. Investigators described the shooting as part of a long-running cycle of gang violence in south-central Houston.
Three men identified as the shooters have already been convicted in connection with Johnson’s murder. Prosecutors argued that Nicks and Richards played leadership roles by directing younger gang members and coordinating retaliation to maintain control in the Third Ward.
Houston’s OMB Bloodbath Murder Case Ends In Mistrial
At trial, the government introduced Instagram messages and recorded jail calls involving alleged gang members. Prosecutors said the communications showed Richards, who was incarcerated at the time, and Nicks organizing the shooting and providing direction.
Defense attorneys disputed that characterization, arguing the evidence failed to show that either defendant ordered or aided the attack. They maintained the shooting stemmed from an ongoing feud that would have occurred regardless of their clients’ actions.
In a key moment, convicted gunman Marquis Erskin testified that he acted independently and denied receiving instructions from Nicks or Richards. Prosecutors countered that Erskin, already serving a lengthy sentence, was attempting to shield others from responsibility.
Before her arrest, Nicks had gained traction as an emerging rap artist and secured a recording deal affiliated with Interscope Records in 2020. Prosecutors argued her public profile concealed deeper involvement in gang activity.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice refused to comment following the mistrial.
The case remains unresolved, leaving open whether federal prosecutors will pursue a retrial in one of Houston’s most closely watched racketeering cases.
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