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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Scarlett O'Toole

Takeoff's killer still on the loose after rapper shot dead in 'bowling alley argument'

Rapper Takeoff was fatally shot after an argument broke out at a bowling alley in Houston, with police confirming that his killer is still on the loose.

The Migos member, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was dead when police arrived. A 23-year-old male and 24-year-old female were hurt in the argument, Houston Police Department confirmed.

Takeoff is said to have been playing a dice game with his bandmate Quavo when a fight broke out. Police were called to the shooting at 2.34am.

During a press conference, Houston police asked the public to "step up" with more information to help them catch the killer.

"We are looking for any information at this time," Sgt. Michael Arrington, the lead investigator on the case, said.

Takeoff was just 28 years old when he died (Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / SplashNews.com)
Takeoff was part of hip hop group Migos (Getty Images for Global Citizen)

"We know the media has received a lot of phone calls, text messages, tweets, vines, videos. We need all of y’all to send those to us so we can solve this case."

He added: "We want to find justice for this family. They’re going through a lot right now. Help us to apprehend and get charges and arrest on the person responsible for the death of Takeoff."

Houston police chief Troy Finner said he has received many calls from people praising the musician following his death.

"Sometimes the hip hop community gets a bad name and I know, evident from this city and people who I have a personal relationship, a lot of great people in our hip hop community and I respect them.

The rapper was dead when police arrived (Getty Images)

"But back to Takeoff. I got many calls from Houston and outside of Houston, and everyone spoke of what a great young man this is, how peaceful he is, what a great artist," he said.

Troy added: "And I’m calling up on everybody, hip hop artists in Houston and around the nation, we got to police ourselves.

"It is so many talented individuals, men and women in that community, who again I love and I respect, and we all need to stand together and make sure nobody tears down that industry."

He added: "What if this was your brother? What if this was your son? Please step up."

Migos was formed by Takeoff and his family members (Getty Images For Activision)

Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner offered his condolences to Takeoff’s family and friends and said he plans to "solve" gun crime.

"We have too many young men of colour that are being injured or killed and their future is cut off and family members and friends are left to mourn," he said.

"This does not have to be our reality and it need not be our future. And so as it relates to this particular incident, what I would say to the people in this city and even beyond, we will solve this crime.

"Let us bring the person or persons to justice, and we will, and then we will continue to move to make our city a safer city."

Takeoff shared a video on Instagram shortly before his death (Instagram/ @yrntakeoff)
Quavo also filmed some clips of the pair (quavohuncho/Instagram)

Footage of Quavo trying to help his bandmate has been seen by TMZ, with the heartbroken star calling for help as his nephew Takeoff was on the ground, fatally wounded.

The publication reports Quavo wasn't injured in the shooting.

Before the fatal incident, the musician had shared a video of himself on Instagram. Playboi Carti’s Stop Breathing could be heard playing in the background.

Takeoff is best known as the member of hip hop group Migos along with his uncle Quavo and first cousin once removed Offset.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033.

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