Houston rapper OMB Bloodbath, whose real name is Alexandra Nicks, returned to federal court Monday as prosecutors prepare to retry her in a racketeering-related murder case stemming from a 2017 fatal shooting in Houston’s Third Ward.
OMB Bloodbath was arraigned on a superseding federal indictment that expands the government’s case after a jury deadlocked earlier this year. The new indictment alleges that Nicks “knowingly and intentionally” participated in the killing of a 53-year-old bystander during a retaliatory gang shooting.
Federal prosecutors contend the case arose from a long-running conflict between rival groups operating in south Houston. Investigators say gunmen targeted a rival faction on Oct. 16, 2017, when multiple shots were fired on London Street. The intended target survived, but a nearby resident was struck and killed.
Authorities argue the shooting occurred during a broader gang dispute tied to narcotics activity and neighborhood control. According to the indictment, Nicks helped advance the group’s power and influence through acts of violence connected to the conflict.
Federal Prosecutors Request Retrail For Houston Rapper OMB Bloodbath After Mistrial
The charges include murder in aid of racketeering and using a firearm during a violent crime resulting in death. If convicted, the counts carry a mandatory life sentence.
The retrial follows a January proceeding in which a 12-member jury deliberated for two days after a two-week trial but failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Prosecutors presented text messages, recorded jail calls and other digital evidence they said showed planning tied to the attack.
During the earlier trial, jurors also heard testimony from convicted gunman Marquis Erskin, who claimed he acted independently.
“It was planned by me,” Erskin testified. “I don’t remember it being planned by Shaquile Richards and Alexandra Nicks.”
Prosecutors argued the testimony was an attempt to shield the alleged leaders of the group.
Erskin later pleaded guilty to federal charges connected to the shooting and received a 285-month prison sentence. He had previously been sentenced in state court to 37 years for murder.
Nicks has remained in federal custody since 2023. Her retrial is scheduled to begin in May.
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