A bloody pig head on a spike was found by Los Angeles Police officers outside of the department’s Rampart Station, a division notorious for its late-90s corruption and police brutality scandals. It is currently unclear who placed the head at the station or if it was intended as a threat. 

The Pig’s head discovery comes amidst large-scale global protests against police brutality and George Floyd’s death. While Derek Chauvin and the other Minneapolis officers involved have been fired and charged, protesters are demanding further reforms to law enforcement practices and the American criminal justice system, as Floyd’s family is seeing a surge of financial support and lawmakers are proposing new legislation aimed at eliminating police brutality. 

Given the high tensions surrounding recent protests and numerous documentedincidents of police violence, the LAPD is reportedly approaching the situation extra cautiously, currently reviewing surveillance footage in an attempt to identify the perpetrator. In the meantime, TMZ reports that LAPD officers, under the direction of Chief Michel Moore who recently blamed George Floyd’s death on looters leading to calls for his resignation, have now been advised to maintain a low profile while off duty, in order to avoid further confrontations with the public.

A tragedy has reportedly befallen the DeBarge family. The DeBarge bloodline is known for having generations of musically talented artists and musicians. Those that have tapped into their creativity have become icons (like the group DeBarge) or reached their own levels of success in the industry. However, many members of the DeBarge clan have found themselves struggling, as well. Drug addictions, arrests, bids behind bars, and other scandals have made headlines and now reports state that the son of Chico DeBarge has been murdered.

Rolling Out reports that 35-year-old Dontae Anderson-DeBarge was in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles when he was stabbed on the street. Responding officers reportedly found him bleeding but rescue efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that a stabbing death occurred, but wouldn’t release the name of the victim.

“Per Sgt. Fisher, Van Nuys Area Watch Commander, a homicide occurred at the above location,” authorities shared in a statement. “The victim (M/B/35 yrs) was found with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by LAFD. There is no suspect information. The victim is homeless. It is unknown if it is gang-related.” We send our condolences to Chico DeBarge and the DeBarge family.

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It’s been just a little over a week since the shocking news of Pop Smoke‘s murder first surfaced. In that time, reports about the Brooklyn rapper’s untimely death have been circulating throughout social media. People have made claims that Pop Smoke’s death was a home invasion robbery gone wrong while others, including TMZ, have speculated that the incident was a carefully executed target hit on the rapper.

On Friday (February 28), Pop Smoke’s family issued a formal statement where they thanked everyone for their kind words but stressed the importance of factual reporting. After sharing bits about the rising rap star, they also stated, “Unfortunately, there are no public details available regarding the murder of our loved one. We ask for respect and responsible reporting during this critical time. Inaccurate reports only add unnecessary pain to a grieving family.”

At the top of Saturday (February 29) morning, TMZ returns with what they claim is more information about Pop Smoke’s case. According to the outlet, their “law enforcement sources” revealed that the investigation isn’t moving forward because “detectives have his a road block… specifically with regard to witness testimony.” They report that people are “simply refusing to talk” with authorities.

TMZ also shares that witness stories have changed throughout the investigation and “because nobody was outside or nearby Pop’s house when the crime occurred … they have no neutral witnesses.” Apparently, time was wasted looking into social media leads that weren’t ble. Additionally, TMZ claims that their sources insist that this was a “targeted hit” but investigators are struggling to identify a motive.

The swanky The Grove L.A. shopping center is a play area for the rich and famous. At any time of the day, its high-end, luxury stores will have a recognizable celebrity casually floating around, and while most of the time they go undisturbed in the Los Angeles entertainment complex,Offset found himself being confronted by police.

Amy Sussman / Staff / Getty Images

In a developing story reported by TMZ, the officers were reportedly alerted around 8:00 p.m. with a call about a person in The Grove’s parking structure. The caller suggested that someone had a firearm and when police responded, the person with the gun had already fled the scene. 

However, Offset and members of his entourage were stopped, questioned, searched, and detained by officers. In a clip shared by TMZ, viewers can see the Migos rapper along with members of his entourage standing handcuffed. Offset is seen being defiant with one officer who shoves him against the wall. “Tell me now!” Offset repeatedly yells and he demands the officer to let him know why they were specifically targeted.

TMZ further reports that Offset is “currently being held near the security station of The Grove.” The outlet is unclear whether or not the rapper or anyone with him had a firearm. The video doesn’t show that Cardi B was at the scene. Watch the clip below.

YG was arrested early Friday morning under what he and his team are framing as questionable pretence. Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies showed up to YG's doorstep with both a search warrant and arrest warrant related to a robbery case. After searching his San Fernando home, the Compton rapper was placed under arrest. "This arrest is one that caught YG completely off guard because there is no truth to them," said YG's lawyer, Joe Tacopina. "YG has no idea what investigators are talking about and we have not been provided with any details ... we are learning about this case through the media."

It has been reported that YG was released on bond on Friday evening, but it has not been revealed yet whether he will be permitted to participate in the Grammy's Nipsey Hussle tribute on Sunday night. Earlier this week, it was announced that YG would be taking the stage alongside John Legend, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch and Kirk Franklin to honour the departed rapper. Since YG's arraignment is only scheduled to occur on Tuesday, it remains unclear whether his arrest will interfere with his ability to perform.