FRANKLIN, Va. — Tashawnda Drayton, who goes by the alias 23 Brazy, was sentenced to serve 58 years on Tuesday.
Earlier this year, the rapper pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of a 10-year-old boy in 2023, as well as other charges, court records state.
Drayton was sentenced to 93 years on numerous charges, including 40 years for second-degree murder. However, suspended time reduces the time she’ll serve to 58 years. She got 15 years suspended on her 20-year sentence for aggravated malicious wounding, and her 10-year sentences for attempted first-degree murder and discharging a firearm in or at an occupied building were both fully suspended.
Drayton was on the run for months after La'Marj Holden was shot and killed on Aug. 9, 2023.
Watch previous coverage: Rapper '23 Brazy' pleads guilty in shooting death of 10-year-old Franklin boy
Four people, including Drayton, showed up at a man's house in the 300 block of Artis Street that day, according to Franklin police. Officials say there was an argument between the man and Drayton, ending with Drayton shooting him. Both the man and La'Marj were taken to the hospital, according to police — the man was treated and released, but La'Marj died from his injuries in the hospital.
Drayton was arrested in June 2024 at the Brookside Square Apartments in Boykins — a town in Southampton County about 20 miles outside of Franklin — after a months-long manhunt.
The U.S. Marshals Service told News 3 that a relative was hiding her. Drayton was originally charged with first-degree murder in La'Marj's death
Tuesday's sentencing brought mixed emotions from both families involved. Holden's sister, Shaquel Cooper, said the punishment was fair and could have been worse.
Outside the courthouse, tensions flared between the two families in a heated exchange. However Drayton's mother, Stacy Gallman, offered an apology to the Holden family. She said they are sincerely remorseful and nothing can bring the little boy back.
Before her sentencing, Drayton expressed remorse to the Holden family. Her sister and mother also read impact statements, sharing how Drayton has taken accountability for her actions.
When News 3 reporter Kelsey Jones asked about accountability, given the fact that Drayton was in hiding for 10 months, her mother said Drayton was scared and didn't know what to do.
Drayton's family says mental health challenges played a big role in this tragic situation. The sentencing marks a somber conclusion for both families affected by this case.
