R. Kelly, the acclaimed artist behind the hit "Ignition," is appealing for what he views as a vital lifeline amidst his ongoing 30-year incarceration at a federal prison in North Carolina. Convicted on multiple counts stemming from allegations encompassing racketeering, bribery, coercion, enticement, and sex trafficking, Kelly now finds himself at the center of an alleged murder conspiracy, as revealed in court documents obtained by NBC News. Seeking refuge in home detention, Kelly's plea stems from fears of a plot against his life within the prison walls.
"His survival hinges on the vigilance of his literal guardians—jailers entrusted with his wellbeing," penned Beau B. Brindley, Kelly's attorney, in the court filing. "Yet, chilling evidence has emerged, illuminating a dark reality where those mandated to protect inmates have instead orchestrated Mr. Kelly's assassination."
Despite Kelly, whose full name is Robert Kelly, steadfastly denying all accusations against him—including the six counts of sex crimes, among them child pornography, for which he was convicted in a 2022 Chicago case—his legal team contends that the alleged murder conspiracy is a grim outgrowth of purported misconduct by Bureau of Prisons (BOP) officials towards him.
"As Mr. Kelly's legal representatives began to uncover this information, BOP officials allegedly approached another inmate with the directive to eliminate him," the filing continues. "No less than two self-professed white supremacists and Aryan Brotherhood members were reportedly approached by BOP officers, instructed to end Mr. Kelly's life."
Brindley further alleges that a prison authority issued a dire warning to the musician. "This official cautioned Mr. Kelly of his peril, emphasizing the necessity for extreme caution," the lawyer detailed in the court document. "The BOP official subtly conveyed that Mr. Kelly's safety was compromised within their custody."
Moreover, Brindley recounts how the prison official advised Kelly to steer clear of the mess hall, citing "the risk of poisoning in the food served there and in the commissary, serving as potential means for carrying out these executions."
In light of this alleged conspiracy, Kelly's legal team has filed a request for his temporary release to serve the remainder of his sentence under home detention, amidst heightened concerns for his life.
