OAKLAND — He was only arrested six months ago, but now the local rapper known as ChaiBenjii4 appears poised to largely beat the allegations against him in his murder case, court records show.

ChaiBenjii4, whose real name is Michai Adams, pleaded no contest to a single gun charge. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors are expected to dismiss murder and assault charges against Adams at his sentencing hearing on Jan. 6, 2026.

Adams was charged with murdering 50-year-old Lamar Payne in a wild, chaotic shootout involving multiple gunman, including one bystander who heard the shots and simply brandished his gun. Prosecutors alleged that Adams was one of the involved parties, and that Payne was killed during an exchange of gunfire between three people.

Adams, 22, remains at Santa Rita Jail

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