D.A. Bragg Announces Manslaughter Conviction of Daryl Campbell for Irving Plaza Shooting


March 23, 2023

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the trial conviction of DARYL CAMPBELL, a/k/a “Taxstone,” 37, for shooting and killing 33-year-old Ronald “Banga” McPhatter, a bodyguard, during a confrontation at Irving Plaza, and shooting and seriously injuring three others. ANew York State Supreme Court jury found CAMPBELL guilty of Manslaughter in the First Degree, two counts of Assault in the First Degree, one count of Assault in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. He will be sentenced on April 19, 2023.

“Daryl Campbell was convicted of killing a man and shooting three others during a tragic and deadly confrontation in a packed New York City music venue,” said District Attorney Bragg. “In addition to seriously injuring his rival and killing his rival’s bodyguard, Mr. Campbell shot innocent bystanders and put hundreds of other lives at risk. We will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits this type of deadly violence.”

As proven at trial, CAMPBELL, a hip hop podcast personality, had a longstanding feud with Roland Collins, a/k/a “Troy Ave,” a rap artist, over public comments CAMPBELL previously made about his music and reputation. On May 25, 2016, at approximately 10:00 pm, CAMPBELL confronted and threatened Collins and his bodyguard, Ronald McPhatter, before Collins’ performance in the green room at Irving Plaza. CAMPBELL pulled out a gun and shot McPhatter in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. CAMPBELL then struggled with Collins for control of the gun and shot Collins in both of his legs. Another man and a woman were also hit with gunshots during the fight.

Assistant District Attorneys Christine Keenan and Christina Awad (Trial Bureau 40) handled the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Robert Ferrari (Chief of Trial Bureau 40) and Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division) with the assistance of Senior Investigative Analyst Holly Burns-LaRiche, Digital Evidence Analyst Mollie Somers and Investigative Analyst Jacob Willebeek-LeMair.

District Attorney Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective John Santiago, Retired Detective Jose Flores, Investigator Jeff Salta, and all of the 13th precinct and the Manhattan South Homicide Squad.

 

Defendant Information:

 

DARYL CAMPBELL

Brooklyn, New York

 

Convicted:

  • Manslaughter in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
  • Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, two counts
  • Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts