The legal case involving dancehall artiste Squash, legally named Andre Whittaker, takes another unexpected turn as United States prosecutors seek to include video evidence of him armed and firing a gun in the trial. These videos are only part of the new evidence that the prosecution is hoping to present in court. Meanwhile, Squash is motioning to have them all dismissed.
The entertainer’s legal fight now revolves as much around what can be shown to a jury as it does around the charges themselves. According to Nationwide News, prosecutors claim they have video from Squash’s phone showing him handling a pink Glock pistol.
This gun is allegedly the same weapon seized during a February traffic stop in Miami. Squash reportedly also discharged the weapon during the video. They also say there is more footage pointing to his possession of other firearms and text messages to an associate requesting a weapon.
The prosecution’s push extends beyond phone data, as they want to use imagery and lyrics from Squash’s “Shubout” music video. In the video, he appears with others holding guns and makes lyrical references that they claim point to modified automatic weapons. They also allege that the song reveals links between Squash and a gang called “6ix”, which they describe as a transnational criminal organisation, which he is accused of leading.
Squash’s attorneys are challenging almost every piece of this. They argue the phone evidence comes from an illegal search and should be thrown out entirely. They also want the court to bar any mention of his stage names “Squash” or “Six Boss”, saying such aliases could unfairly prejudice jurors. On top of that, they insist “6ix” refers only to his music label, not to any gang.
The defence is further seeking to block the use of an interview in which a prior shooting and homicide were mentioned, noting that Squash was never charged in connection with that incident. They also want to exclude any hearsay references from Jamaica, labelling him a known criminal, saying it denies him the right to face his accuser. The deadline for a plea deal is set for August 26, and the trial could begin on September 2.