French rapper Koba LaD, known for his successful music career with three platinum discs, has been sentenced to six years in prison for aggravated manslaughter. This follows a tragic car accident where he was driving a luxury sports car and collided with a stationary truck at a petrol station. The accident resulted in the death of his stylist, who was a close friend and passenger in the front seat, while the victim’s girlfriend, seated in the back, sustained minor injuries.
Koba LaD, whose real name is Marcel Junior Loutarila, has been in custody since the September 2024 accident and has taken full responsibility for the incident. He expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of his friend, stating that it has been difficult to cope with.
The court deemed the offence as aggravated due to Koba LaD’s excessive speed and drug use, as he tested positive for cannabis following the collision. As a result, his driving license has been revoked, and he is prohibited from retaking the test for ten years. The rapper has expressed remorse to the victim’s family, although their lawyer has labeled him as a “public danger on the road.”
This is not the first time Koba LaD has been in trouble with the law, as he has a history of previous convictions, including a non-fatal crash in Marseille in 2020. His name also surfaced during an investigation into the escape of a drug trafficker in May 2024, which led to the deaths of two prison officers. While Koba LaD was questioned in connection to this incident, his lawyers have dismissed the claims, attributing the association to his public image and social circle.
The rapper’s sentencing for aggravated manslaughter serves as a reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and drug use. Despite his success in the music industry, Koba LaD will now serve time in prison for his actions on that fateful day.
