Nationwide — David Blake Jr., son of rapper DJ Quik, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for a 2022 shooting in Downey, California. He was convicted of second-degree murder after firing at a home during a dispute, killing Julio Moises Cardoza Jr.
Blake, 31, fired multiple rounds from his car on May 25, 2022, while driving a Compton City Council liaison to a residence where tensions escalated. Cardoza died from his injuries at the hospital the same day, and Blake was arrested in Porter Ranch the following day.
At his trial, Blake claimed he acted in fear after spotting a shotgun aimed at him. Despite this defense, a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder on December 4, 2025. During sentencing, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Laura Walton dismissed gun enhancement charges that could have increased his sentence.
Speaking in court, Blake expressed regret. “I’m sorry for the role I had in Julio Moises Cardoza Jr.’s death, and my heart aches for the Cardozas,” he said, according to EURweb. “I was truly in fear for my life and believed I was going to die.”
DJ Quik also commented online, sharing disappointment over not being able to address the situation sooner. He noted that the event has permanently affected both families. Blake, who had no prior criminal record, will be eligible for parole after serving his minimum sentence.