New York City – Dancehall artist Rygin King, whose real name is Matthew Smith, has been arrested on multiple weapons possession charges. According to New York State court records, the 29-year-old was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (loaded firearm), criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (ammunition clips), possession of an ammunition feeding device, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
Details of the Arrest
Smith was taken into custody by the NYPD 113th Precinct’s ‘Midnight Public Safety Team’ on Monday, July 8. While details surrounding the arrest remain unclear, a source indicated that Smith was accompanied by other men who were also apprehended. Smith has pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment.
Upcoming Court Appearance
Smith’s first court appearance is set for Friday, July 12, at 9 AM in the Queens Supreme Criminal Court. Court-appointed attorney Marc B. Laykind is representing him. In New York, the most severe charge, criminal possession of a loaded firearm, carries a statutory minimum sentence of three and a half years for first-time offenders, with a maximum of 15 years.
A Troubled History
This arrest adds to a series of tumultuous events in Smith’s recent history. In 2020, he was ambushed in the Struie district of Westmoreland, Jamaica. During the attack, his manager’s wife, 28-year-old Sashalee Blackwood, was tragically killed, and Smith himself was shot three times, resulting in severe injuries that left him wheelchair-bound.
Recovery and Musical Journey
Following the attack, Smith moved to the US in the summer of 2021 for specialized medical treatment and rehabilitation. His experiences during recovery inspired his debut album, Therapy (2022), and its follow-up, Recovery (2024), which explore themes of resilience and healing. Some of his most popular tracks include “Tuff,” “Glu,” “How Mi Grow,” and “3ZN.”
Awaiting the Outcome
As the legal proceedings unfold, fans and the music industry alike are left to await the outcome of this latest chapter in the artist’s life.
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