Blueface Dodges Prison Time, Gets Probation in High-Profile Vegas Shooting

Bhriss, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rapper Blueface, also known as Johnathan Porter, has received a probation sentence in connection with a shooting outside a Las Vegas strip club last year. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on October 8, 2022, leading to his arrest in November.

Known for his contributions to the hip-hop music scene, the 27-year-old gained recognition for his unique style and hit tracks. His breakout single, "Thotiana," released in 2018, catapulted him to stardom, garnering millions of views on YouTube and widespread acclaim.

The sentencing took place on Monday when Judge Kathleen Delaney confirmed a plea deal made over the summer, stipulating a probation-only sentence. Porter received a suspended sentence of 2-5 years in prison, which means he will serve probation.

According to court documents, the victim of the shooting reported being shot in the hand outside the Euphoric Gentlemen’s Club on Windy Road near the Las Vegas Strip. The victim claimed to have recognized Porter at the club and had spoken to him earlier in the evening. The altercation reportedly began when the victim made a comment about Porter talking to some women in a modest vehicle.

Initially charged with attempted murder, Porter's plea deal resulted in reduced charges of battery and discharging a firearm at or into an occupied structure.

In addition to the criminal case, Blueface faced civil lawsuits related to the shooting. Porter's legal team had requested a pause in the civil cases until the criminal proceedings were resolved.

In a separate incident, Porter faced a robbery charge after allegedly stealing a fan's phone at the Palms casino. Records indicate that prosecutors agreed to drop the charge following Porter's sentencing in the shooting case.

Blueface's sentencing includes up to three years of probation, with an underlying sentence of 2-5 years behind bars. Any probation violation could result in a substantial prison term.

Kentavious Traylor, the individual who was grazed by one of the bullets in the shooting, expressed frustration with the judicial process, suggesting that Blueface received preferential treatment due to his celebrity status. Traylor claimed that the incident had a significant impact on his life and job prospects and voiced his disapproval of Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis, presumably a reference to an associate of the rapper.