Anaheim rapper convicted of manslaughter in 2021 shooting of 17-year-old rival

An Anaheim rapper has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter with a gun enhancement in the September 2021 shooting death of a 17-year-old rap rival. Zachary Pickrell faces up to seven years in prison.

Jurors rejected a second-degree murder charge. Pickrell's sentencing was set for Oct. 30.

What prosecutors told the jury

According to prosecutors, Pickrell claimed the 1700 block of North Holbrook Street and was angered by the music of the teen, a SoundCloud rapper whose songs represented the neighboring 1800 block.

The two met at Pickrell's home studio in September 2021. Prosecutors said Pickrell put a handgun to the teen's head and pulled the trigger, then disposed of the gun and the casing and falsely blamed a drive-by shooting.

Pickrell's defense argued he did not know the gun was loaded. The jury convicted him of involuntary manslaughter, a lesser offense than murder.

How the case started

Anaheim police were called just after 9:20 p.m. Sept. 5, 2021, to a home in the 1700 block of Holbrook Street, near Orangethorpe and Lakeview avenues, on reports that a teenage boy had been shot, FOX 11 reported at the time.

Officers found the 17-year-old shot inside the home. Pickrell, then 18, told officers that he and a friend had been shot in a drive-by, according to FOX 11 and CBS Los Angeles. Homicide detectives later determined there had been no drive-by and accused Pickrell of the shooting. Both outlets described the teen at the time as Pickrell's friend.

Pickrell was arrested the next day, booked on suspicion of attempted murder and held on $1 million bail. The teen died at a trauma center on the morning of Sept. 9, 2021. Police said then they expected the charge to change to murder.

Where things stand

Pickrell reportedly already has about six years of custody credit. His attorney is seeking treatment instead of more prison time.

Juice Unlocked has not confirmed the outcome of the Oct. 30 hearing.

What’s next

Sentencing was scheduled for Oct. 30. Pickrell's attorney is seeking treatment rather than additional prison time. The result of that hearing has not been confirmed.