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The case of 23 Brazy reached a grim conclusion this week as the Virginia rapper—born Tashawnda Drayton—was sentenced Tuesday to serve 58 years in prison for her role in the 2023 shooting that left a 10-year-old boy dead.
Drayton, who had already pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder and several related charges, originally faced a 93-year sentence. Court documents show that suspended time on multiple counts brought her active sentence down to 58 years, including 40 years for second-degree murder. Her 20-year sentence for aggravated malicious wounding was cut by 15 years, and two separate 10-year sentences—attempted first-degree murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied building—were both fully suspended.
The fatal shooting unfolded in August of that year, where police say Drayton and three others arrived at a home on the 300 Block of Artis Street. Drayton reportedly engaged in a war of words with a man inside before opening fire on the building. Both the man and 10-year-old La’Marj Holden were rushed to the hospital. The man survived. La’Marj didn’t.
Following the incident, 23 Brazy evaded authorities until June of the next year when U.S. Marshals found her hiding at an apartment complex in Boykins, about 20 miles from Franklin. Investigators said she was being sheltered by a relative. She had initially been charged with first-degree murder.
Inside the courtroom Tuesday, emotions ran high as both families faced the outcome together. Holden’s sister, Shaquel Cooper, said the sentence felt fair, adding that it could have been harsher. Outside, tensions between the families briefly boiled over in a heated exchange.
Before learning her fate, Drayton addressed the court directly, expressing remorse. Her mother and sister read statements describing her mental health struggles and saying Drayton has taken responsibility — though questions lingered after News 3 reporters pressed the family about her 10 months on the run.
The sentencing closes a devastating chapter for both families about a tragedy that began with a neighborhood dispute and ended with a life lost, a community shaken, and a young rapper’s future behind bars.
