Man Accused Of Killing Tampa Rapper Arrested: Hillsborough Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — A man has been arrested in connection with an up-and-coming rapper's homicide that took place at a Tampa apartment complex last month, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

U.S. Marshals arrested Darren Day, 25, on Tuesday in Lee County for the first-degree murder of Ari "AJ" Williams, who performed by the stage name Rollie Bands, WFLA-TV reported.

On July 22, 2022, Hillsborough County deputies said they responded to the IQ Apartments in Tampa after receiving a 911 call that someone had been shot in the parking lot.

Multiple news outlets, including HipHopDX, said Williams was fatally shot moments after he told his critics on Instagram Stories to confront him.

Deputies said Williams was transported to a local hospital where he later died. He was 27 years old.

During the early stage of the investigation, deputies said the shooting did not appear random and said Williams and Day possibly knew each other.

Music video by Ari Williams:

According to his obituary, Williams leaves behind a young daughter, his mother, his father and several siblings.

"He always said 'If I make, I don't want to know as a rapper. I want to be known for helping those in need with my music. He was very passionate of what he loved to do,'" a portion of his obituaryreads.

SEE ALSO:

• Rapper Gunned Down In Tampa Apartment Complex Parking Lot

Anyone with additional information about the shooting is urged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200. If you would like to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).