The 2006 shooting death of T.I.’s best friend and personal assistant, Philant Johnson, shook the rapper to his core. After a fight at a club in Cincinnati, T.I. and his entourage left in a fleet of vans to escape the escalating situation. While trying to leave amicably, the rapper and his crew were chased down and their cars were sprayed with bullets. The senseless act of violence left three people injured and Philant Johnson dead. Three years later, justice is finally being served.
41-year-old Padron Thomas, who was the driver of the opposing vehicle, pleaded guilty to manslaughter Wednesday. Initially charged with murder, Thomas received a lesser sentence after he testified against his brother. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 17th, where Thomas could face up to 10 years in prison. He’s currently serving 17 years on unrelated federal drug charges.
His brother, Hosea Thomas, was sentenced to 66 years to life for the shooting. The convicted murderer will not be eligible for parole until 2074 when he’s 100 years old.
