Derrick Parker, a former detective with the NYPD who gained notoriety as the “Hip-Hop Cop” during the rap explosion of the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 65.

His brother, Ralph, confirmed to News Media that Derrick passed away unexpectedly on July 24 at a hospital in Nassau County, New York. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.

A funeral service is planned for Thursday at J Foster Phillips Funeral Home located in Jamaica, New York.

In the bustling 1990s, Derrick J. Parker led the NYPD’s rap intelligence unit during a time when New York City’s hip-hop scene saw a meteoric rise. He kept tabs on famous artists and their entourages visiting the city. He often shared his insights and techniques for curbing music industry violence with law enforcement agencies in cities like Miami and Atlanta.

He also served as a homicide and cold case detective during a career that spanned more than 20 years and worked alongside the US Marshals, the ATF, the DEA and the FBI, according to his website.

“You have to watch and see who’s coming to your city. Who’s there and who’s what,” he told News Media in a 2024 interview. “We can’t track everybody, but when certain people come to the city, you should know who, especially certain people that are on your radar. That’s the way I look at it.”

Much of the job, he said, involved keeping law enforcement and nightclub management aware of who was going where in order to avoid potential confrontations between rival groups.

He played a role in the 1999 investigation into the Club New York shooting where music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was charged but later acquitted. Pop superstar Jennifer Lopez was also briefly detained and released.

Parker said his approach to policing the hip-hop world wasn’t to come down hard on its stars.

“I was the law, so he was always friendly,” he later said of Combs. “I’m never hard on these guys. They know what they get into. They know what trouble they have.”

Parker wrote a book about his experiences, “Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of the Tupac, Biggie and Jam Master Jay Investigations from the NYPD’s First ‘Hip-Hop Cop.'” The book chronicled his involvement in investigations surrounding three of hip-hop’s most notorious killings: Tupac Shakur, Christopher Wallace, who performed as the Notorious B.I.G. and Jam Master Jay, the Run-DMC DJ whose real name was Jason Mizell.

It would be decades before Mizell’s killers went on trial. Parker was on the witness stand.

After Parker retired from the NYPD in 2002, he worked in security for large events and executive protection applying the same philosophy of knowing who would be going where to avoid conflicts.

He also became a frequent media commentator on high-profile cases involving figures and venues he had encountered during his NYPD career, including Combs’ sex-trafficking trial last year and even the wedding between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden.

He had also told News Media that he hoped to write a follow-up book.

“I want to really tell a big, big story about a lot of stuff,” he said.

Days before his death, he said he was closely following the Las Vegas murder case against Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is charged with playing a role in Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder. Jury selection began Monday.

“We were supposed to go out to dinner for my birthday,” Ralph Parker told News Media. “He’s like, ‘Oh, we’re gonna go out and eat. Your birthday’s coming, don’t worry about it.’ Well, I won’t be able to go eat with him.”

In an unforgettable twist, a California couple’s wedding transformed into a once-in-a-lifetime event when none other than country music sensation Shaboozey made an unexpected appearance, drifting serenely along the Owens River.

K. Rose Events, a well-known wedding planning service in Southern California, captured this astonishing moment on video and shared it via Instagram. The footage features the delighted couple posing for some photos beside the picturesque river.

As the couple exchanged vows, 31-year-old artist Shaboozey, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, casually floated by on an innertube. He was part of The Wooly Run, a relaxing camping and tubing trip that coincided serendipitously with the wedding.

With a joyful spirit, the singer, sporting a trucker’s hat and enjoying a canned drink, smiled and waved at the camera, marking a memorable highlight for the ceremony.

As the rest of Shaboozey’s group floated past, they cheered and celebrated as the couple sealed their vows with a kiss. The wedding planner emphasized, “Not a styled shoot. Not a setup. This actually happened,” bringing a touch of spontaneity and joy to the day.

“Mid-ceremony in Mammoth Lakes, CA — vows under the Sierra peaks, granite + sage as far as you can see — and Shaboozey makes a cameo coming down the river,” the wedding planner’s post read.

“The bride’s face says it all. The groom couldn’t stop laughing. Even I lost it for a second,” the post added.

“This is why you get married in the Eastern Sierra. This is why you hire a Southern California wedding planner who knows Mammoth venues and permits like the back of their hand. Because when magic happens, you want a team that can roll with it and keep your timeline perfect,” the post continued.

“Mammoth weddings = unpredictable, unforgettable, unreal. Save this if you want a wedding story no one will believe,” the caption concluded.

Shaboozey even commented on the post, stating, “CONGRATULATIONS! From Shabozzey and @thewoollyrun !!”

The video went viral, with over 12 million views and over 585K likes in just over a day since it was posted.

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The 2026 Wooly Run took place from August 5-9, described on the official website as a trip, “designed for like-minded folks who love motorsports, the outdoors, and slowing things down enough to actually enjoy it.”

The trip begins with, “a night camping in the Alabama Hills, surrounded by raw desert landscapes and massive granite backdrops.”

Then the trip moves on for, “three nights along the Owens River in Mammoth at a designated campsite that becomes home base for the weekend.”

Shaboozey posted pics from the trip on his own Instagram on Tuesday, though he didn’t mention the wedding incident in his post.

The singer just released his fourth studio album, “The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales” on July 31, which features guest appearances from Jamie Foxx, Gunna, Teyana Taylor, Kehlani, Sam Elliot and Orville Peck.

He has described it as a “concept album” that he co-created with Xaivia Inniss, which tells the story of a fictional outlaw named Cherie Lee and her quest for revenge.

Pat McAfee, a notable figure from ESPN, has found himself at the center of controversy after being seen alongside former President Donald Trump at the inaugural Patriot Games this past Tuesday.

The Patriot Games, an athletic event for high schoolers conceived by Trump, wrapped up its first run in Ohio on Tuesday night, coinciding with Trump’s highly anticipated appearance.

Accompanied by McAfee, a former NFL star, and several student athletes, Trump made a dramatic entrance into the arena at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.

The crowd erupted into cheers, punctuated by pyrotechnics, as Trump took the center stage, acknowledging the attendees with a wave.

Once the excitement settled, Trump settled in beside McAfee, who contrasted sharply with the former President’s formal attire, wearing a casual black t-shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap turned backwards.

Earlier in the afternoon, McAfee had greeted Trump on the tarmac as Air Force One touched down in Ohio before traveling with the Commander-in-Chief for the competition. 

The cozy outing came after the former-NFL-punter-turned-broadcaster has repeatedly declared that he is ‘not a political person’ and has urged other sportscaster to ‘stick to sports’ on numerous occasions. 

His proximity to Trump on Tuesday sparked outrage from many sports fans, who viewed the appearance a hypocritical and contradictory to his previous public comments on politics. 

‘Good to know he’s a spineless POS like the rest of them,’ one social media user wrote on X. 

”I’m not a politics person.’ Also Pat MAGAfee,’ another posted, responding to a clip of McAfee’s interaction with Trump. 

‘You are judged by the company you keep,’ claimed a third, while a fourth shared, ‘@PatMcAfeeShow Is cringe…Hanging out with the coward CateringCart man.’ 

‘Let’s fire good analysts from ESPN like Ryan Clark, and instead give $60 mill a year to MAGA bootlickers like Pat McAfee,’ wrote another referring to former NFL star Clark who was recently let go by ESPN and McAfee’s alleged contract. 

They added: ‘So much for him ‘not being political.”

Another posted: ‘And he’s gonna respond to the backlash by spinning it into something patriotic and how it’s an honor to sit next to the president f***  @PatMcAfeeShow.’ 

Organized through the Trump-backed Freedom 250 organization, the Patriot Games were held from August 9 to August 11. 

The event brought together 120 teen athletes from ages 14 to 17 with one male and one female athlete representing each US state, plus participants from territories and tribal nations. 

Only one male and one female will be able to win the competition, coming away with $125,000 in scholarship money each.

Events in the competition included dodgeball, kickball, tug of war, and victory hoops as well as the presidential fitness test. 

Following the conclusion of the event, McAfee wrote on X: ‘Had a BLAST celebrating high schoolers from across the country with the Heads of Disney, ABC, ESPN, and… The United States Of America

‘I’m proud of all parties getting behind this important initiative to keep future generations excited about remaining active.

‘Cheers to the incredible contestants and to next year’s Patriot Games.’

McAfee has repeatedly made his desire to keep politics out of sports, stating following the assassination of Charlie Kirk that he is ‘not a politics person.’ 

He added: ‘I’ve been thrown into the political world a couple of times by my own mistakes, but also because of my own opinions. It’s a blender over there.’

McAfee, the host of his self-eponymous show on ESPN, sparked backlash for interviewing Trump on the program during an ESPN Veterans Day broadcast in 2025.

During his appearance, Trump told McAfee that he only appeared on his show ‘because I hear you say such nice things about me.’ 

McAfee, who said he had also extended an invitation to former President Barack Obama which ultimately fell through, defended himself from the criticism at the time. 

‘In my eyes he’s the leader of the military and we were celebrating the hell out of Veteran’s Day,’ McAfee said in a later talk show appearance, referring to Trump. 

In a heart-wrenching event last Thursday, a 4-year-old in Kansas succumbed to a “tragic accident” involving a clothes dryer, local authorities have reported.

The unfortunate incident unfolded in the small town of Savonburg as the child was “playing” at home, according to a Saturday statement from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).

Authorities have disclosed that the child “allegedly received an electrical shock from a 220v dryer,” highlighting the perilous nature of the common household appliance.

Reports indicate that the child’s parents desperately transported their unconscious child to a nearby hospital at around 9:30 p.m. as they struggled to save their young one.

However, the child was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

No foul play is suspected at this time, and the ACSO is investigating the incident.

Officials extended their condolences to the family and responders involved following the incident.

“The Sheriff’s Office extends our heartfelt condolences to the family members and all those affected by this tragedy, including the Allen County dispatchers, first responders, and hospital personnel,” the office said.

A 220-volt electrical current, which was involved in Thursday’s accident, can cause serious injury or death, including cardiac arrest.

While clothes dryers have been linked to thousands of home fires annually, primarily caused by lint buildup blocking exhaust ducts or overheating electrical elements, electrical deaths involving major laundry appliances are considered extremely rare.

In one of the rare instances, a 10-year-old boy was found dead inside a dryer at a Houston-area apartment complex in 2018, according to Fox 5 DC. 

A medical examiner determined the boy had been electrocuted, while investigators found no signs of injury or foul play. 

The death was ruled accidental.

INDIANAPOLIS — For the Liberty, it seemed like they had finally found their stride.

Not long ago, just under a month past, they suffered a crushing 20-point defeat in Indianapolis. This humbling loss became a wake-up call, sparking a players-only meeting and several intense, honest discussions.

Following these critical conversations, the Liberty re-emerged with renewed energy, highlighting Rebecca Allen in their starting lineup. There was a newfound buzz in the team, revitalizing hopes of making a serious bid for the championship.

Since their last encounter with the Fever, New York has impressively gone 7-1.

Tuesday presented them with a golden opportunity to redeem themselves from that humiliating loss they suffered in July.

Instead, the Liberty looked eerily familiar to the team that previously left Indiana deflated, falling to the Fever 106-92. 

The Liberty didn’t impose anything on the Fever or make them uncomfortable. They, again, got burned by elite opposing guard play. 

The Fever’s dynamic backcourt of Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark had their way for most of the night, with New York’s defense providing little resistance.

Mitchell scored 20 of her game-high 28 points in the first half. Clark added 22 points and 10 assists. The two went a startling 8-for-12 from deep, including 7-for-8 in the first half.

Aliyah Boston finished with 19 points and seven rebounds. 

The Liberty’s defense looked sluggish and disconnected. Their close-outs were slow. 

They just didn’t have it on a night they needed to prove they did.

It put a bright spotlight on the absences of Leonie Fiebich and Satou Sabally, who’ve each been sidelined for more than a month now with no timeline to return.

The Liberty surrendered 64 points in the first half, the third-most allowed in any half in franchise history.

The Fever shot 22-for-37 (59.5 percent) from the field, including 11-for-14 (78.6 percent) from beyond the arc across the first two quarters.

New York seemed ready to storm a comeback at the start of the third.

The Liberty went on an 11-2 run to make it a nine-point game with 6:51 left. New York would get it that close once more, but that was it. 

The Fever slammed the door on the Liberty with a 19-8 run to close the third quarter. 

In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, authorities revealed that a Kansas father fatally shot his four children and their mother before committing suicide in their home.

On Tuesday morning, 53-year-old Ronald Williams Sr made a harrowing call to 911, confessing to dispatchers that he had killed his entire family in their Winfield residence and was about to end his own life, as reported by law enforcement.

Upon forcing entry into the home, officers discovered Williams dead alongside five family members: 44-year-old Kelly George, and children Carol A Williams, 9, Ronald H Williams, 7, Sarah K Williams, 5, and three-year-old Kelly M Magee-Williams.

Winfield Police noted that Ronald had been showing signs of ‘erratic behavior’ for a while, although they admitted they never anticipated such a devastating outcome for his family.

According to Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong, there were multiple reports in recent weeks of Ronald confronting and shouting at others, raising concerns about his behavior.

‘I can’t say that anything would have indicated that we would be where we are today,’ he said, adding that he had never seen a case like this in his more than 20-year career.

The motive behind the horrific killings remains a mystery as the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Winfield Police Department (WPD) continue their investigation.

Authorities revealed new details of the murder-suicide during a press conference Tuesday evening, including Ronald’s disturbing 911 call in which he confessed to killing his entire family. 

The chief said officers were dispatched to the home in the 400 block of West Ninth Street at around 8.50am. Already in the area for another incident, they arrived just after the call came in. 

‘Pretty much immediately, the first officer on scene was approaching the house when they heard a single gunshot,’ DeLong said. ‘At that point, they retreated.’

With no initial indication of any loss of life, the chief said officers quickly established a perimeter around the home and treated the unfolding incident as a ‘barricade situation.’

Just before 11am, after exhausting all other options and bringing in additional backup, officers decided to force their way through the front door, which DeLong said they ‘breached immediately.’

Inside, authorities discovered the bodies of all six relatives, including the couple’s four young children. 

Police confirmed the six victims were all members of the same family and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

‘I believe when he called 911 that he was accurate in what he said, and when officers arrived on scene, that final gunshot wound was a self-inflicted one,’ Jason Diaz, special agent in charge with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), said.

The chief also revealed that police had previously been called to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the home. 

Ronald’s criminal history in Kansas stretched back years, including a previous case that landed him on the state’s sex offender registry, according to KCTV Investigates.

In September 1998, he was convicted of attempted indecent liberties with a child in connection with an incident involving a 15-year-old girl, according to the outlet. 

He also went by several aliases, including Freddie Williams, Laron Williams and Jerome Williams.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s registered sex offender list shows that Ronald’s offense occurred in June 1997, when he was in his 20s. 

His crimes stretch nearly three decades, with state court records showing he faced felony charges for drugs, battery, assault on a law enforcement officer, burglary, attempted rape, kidnapping and other offenses between 1995 and 2024. 

The cases spanned Wyandotte, Johnson and Franklin counties, according to KCTV.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.