Feds Request To Use Music Video And Phone Evidence In Dancehall Artiste Squash’s Case

The legal pressure seems to be mounting on Dancehall artiste Squash, as U.S. federal prosecutors move to use his own music, phone videos, and messages as evidence in the gun-related case against him.

The entertainer, born Andrae Whittaker, was arrested in February during a traffic stop in Miami, Florida. He’s now facing serious federal charges, including unlawful possession of a machine gun and being an undocumented person in possession of a firearm. The trial is set for September 2, and he has until August 26 to accept a plea deal if he chooses to avoid trial.

Among the most talked-about developments is the video evidence reportedly found on Squash’s phone. Prosecutors claim that the footage shows him holding and firing a pink Glock pistol which is believed to be same weapon they that was recovered during his arrest. Reports also say that other photos, videos, and text messages on the phone show Squash with additional firearms. In one message, he allegedly asks someone to bring him a “matic,” which prosecutors interpret as slang for an automatic weapon.

Prosecutors are also aiming to introduce material from his music video ‘Shubout,’ where they say Squash is seen surrounded by people with guns. They claim he appears holding a firearm himself and uses lyrics mentioning a “chip”, a device known to modify a gun for automatic fire. They further argue that Squash’s repeated mention of “6ix” in his songs is a reference to what law enforcement considers a transnational criminal organization, and allege that Squash is connected to or leading that group.

However, despite these claims, the ‘Don Dada’ hitmaker’s legal team is not sitting quietly as His attorneys have filed a motion asking the court to throw out key parts of the case, including the evidence found on his phone. They argue that it was obtained through an illegal search, and as such, should be classified as inadmissible.

The defence also plans to call Zidanne Prescott, who was in the vehicle with Squash at the time of the arrest, to testify that no traffic violation occurred before the stop.

They’re also pushing back on the narrative around the ‘Get up’ hitmaker along with how he’s being portrayed to court and public. The defence is asking the court to stop prosecutors from using his stage names “Squash” or “Six Boss” in court, arguing that such names might unfairly influence the jury. They say the “6ix” mentioned in his music is linked to a music label, not a gang. The attorneys also want to prevent the prosecution from calling him a gang leader or associating him with the “G-City” gang.

In addition, the defence is objecting to evidence tied to an old interview in which a homicide was discussed.

They point out that Squash was never charged in connection with that incident and argue it has no place in the current case. They’re also urging the court to dismiss any statements or claims from Jamaican authorities labelling him a known criminal, calling such claims hearsay that deny him the right to face his accusers. Legal filings from both sides began on August 8, and Squash’s defence team submitted their full response on Thursday.

It’s now up to the court to decide how much of this material will be allowed into the trial.