A popular Jamaican TikTok personality, Jabari Johnson, widely known online as ‘Baba Skeng’, was brutally murdered in an execution-style attack while livestreaming with a fellow content creator. The shocking incident occurred on Monday, April 28, in the Saint Andrew region of Jamaica, near Queenie’s Snack Shop on Red Hills Road, around 6:30 pm.
Johnson, 25, was the son of renowned reggae artist Jah Mason. He was engaging in a lighthearted live session with another TikToker when the chilling incident unfolded. Graphic footage from the livestream shows Johnson laughing and chatting moments before a masked gunman dressed entirely in black approached him from behind and opened fire.
Trigger warning: Visuals can be disturbing. Viewers' discretion advised.
The attacker, believed to be left-handed, shot Johnson multiple times at close range, aiming at his head and upper body. The sudden burst of violence sent shockwaves through the area, with panicked screams heard in the background. Johnson collapsed to the ground and was pronounced dead at the scene. The assailant fled the location on foot.
Local authorities from the St Andrew North Police Division have launched an investigation into the killing. As of now, no suspects have been named, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. MailOnline reported that the police were yet to issue an official statement, and Johnson’s family has requested privacy as they cope with the tragedy.
Series Of Targeted Attacks On Jamacian Influencers
Johnson’s murder adds to a troubling trend of violence targeting Jamaican social media influencers. In the past year alone, at least three other notable TikTokers from Jamaica have been gunned down.
On December 20, 2024, Marlon Samuels, known as ‘41 Busshead,’ was fatally shot in Montego Bay. Earlier that same month, on December 7, Xavier ‘Niah Gang’ Fogah, aged 23, was killed in St Catherine. In September 2024, 23-year-old Keauno ‘Popsy’ Watson was also murdered in a violent attack.
The disturbing trend is not limited to Jamaica. In December 2024, Mexican TikTok influencer Gordo Percui, real name Leovardo Asipuro Soto and his wife Brenda Félix were killed in a gang-related shooting near their home in Culiacán. Soto died at the scene, while Félix succumbed to her injuries later in hospital.
