A woman is wanted in Texas in connection with the shooting death of a 34-year-old rapper, who is reportedly Beyonce’s cousin.
via NYDN:
Rapper Martell DeRouen, who performed under the stage name Kardone, was found dead during a welfare check at his San Antonio apartment on Tuesday, according to the San Antonio Express-News. An unidentified friend requested authorities stop by the performer’s home after not hearing from him for a few days.
DeRouen, who was signed with a Sony-affiliated record label, most recently released his single “Magic” in 2020. His last full length album, Trunk Bag, came out in 2016.
Brian Mitchell, owner of Fyngermade Studio and a friend of DeRouen’s, described the musician as “quiet” and humble despite his familial connection with superstar Beyoncé.
“That’s not even something he would even mention to people,” he told KSAT.
“Kardone was one of those ones who rose and shine bright, brighter than, you know, some of those that was in the room with him.”
The “Single Ladies” singer has not commented publicly on his death.
Authorities earlier this week declared 21-year-old Shasha Skare the primary suspect in DeRouen’s murder. A warrant has been issued for her arrest and she remains at large.
Skare, who was also reportedly involved in the San Antonio music scene, in April released a single produced by Kardone. She was previously charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a 2019 shooting that left one man dead and another injured, according to court records.
We don’t know if this man is *actually* Beyoncé’s cousin or if he just claims that back in Texas, but we hope his family gets the justice (and healing) they deserve.
