Credit: Realbleeda

Baton Rouge rapper Realbleeda has been arrested on first-degree murder charges. The 22-year-old (real name David Catherine) is accused of killing Teressa Calligan on September 15th, 2024.

A drive-by shooting took place at the intersection of Airline Highway and Greenwell Street at around 9:30pm. Calligan was waiting at a traffic light when another car appeared beside her. Someone shot at Calligan’s vehicle, hitting her multiple times and killing her. Her car then crashed into a sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle after rolling into the crossroad.

On June 10th, the Baton Rouge Police Department announced that they believe Catherine was the shooter. He’s allegedly a member of the Bleedas gang, described by police as a “criminal enterprise” in the Glen Oaks neighbourhood.

Investigators used surveillance video, witness statements, and tips from Crime Stoppers to make the arrest.

Baton Rouge Police claim it wasn’t a random act of violence. “In this instance, she just wasn’t the target they were looking for; she was an innocent bystander going on about her business,” a spokesperson said.

Realbleeda released his last album, ME VS. ME, in March. The project included the song ‘STEP 2K25’, which boasts over 3.3 million YouTube views and 2.5 million Spotify streams. His second-biggest track, ‘Lean Cup’, dropped in 2023 and has 1.3 million Spotify plays.

The rapper’s Instagram account, which has been deleted, had over 207,000 followers. His last song, ‘Back2Back’, arrived in May and served as a collaboration with FBG Murda.

Catherine was previously arrested in May for allegedly waving a firearm at a shopping centre. He was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, one count of rioting, and one count of illegal carrying of a weapon.

A bond review hearing and motion hearing are scheduled for July 17th and August 12th.