DALLAS — The hip-hop community in Dallas and beyond is reeling after losing one of their own, Melvin Noble, better known by his stage name, Mo3. The 28-year-old entertainer was shot Wednesday on Interstate 35 at Clarendon Drive in Oak Cliff, according to the Dallas Police Department.
“We do see road rage incidents,” said Dallas Police Sgt. Warren Mitchell. “This could be a road rage incident or this could be someone who was targeted.”
Authorities say, just before noon, Noble was traveling northbound on I-35 at Clarendon Drive when he was reportedly approached by a suspect driving a dark-colored vehicle.
The suspect exited his vehicle with a firearm and approached Noble, causing him to leave his car and run southward onto the freeway, per a police report. It was at that time, also according to the report, that the suspect began firing multiple rounds at Noble as he chased him down, ultimately striking him. During the melee, police noted that an innocent bystander was hit with a bullet while sitting in his vehiclee.
“You think of the location and all the people who could be standing around or the other innocent people who could’ve been seriously injured, I don’t know a better word to describe it other than “brazen”,” said Mitchell describing the scene. “In broad daylight, with cars around [and] could care less about who could be injured during gunfire that goes astray. I won’t say this is fortunate, but it could’ve been even worse.”
Noble was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. The innocent bystander, also taken to a hospital, is expected to survive due to his injuries not being life-threatening.
“It’s sad that we have to lose at least one life during this incident here, but it could’ve been many, many more,” said Mitchell.
As the news of Mo3’s death broke, those who knew him best and admired him took to social media to offer condolences and prayers to those he leaves behind. Rapper Boosie BadAzz, who Mo3 worked with on a joint album, “BadAzz Mo3”, tweeted: “I’m lost for words… my boy Mo3 see u when I get there.”
Other celebrities and entertainers such as Desi Banks posted photos on Instagram reflecting on the memories shared with the up and coming artist born in McKinney. Less than a year ago, Noble released his most recent album “Osama” featuring 19 tracks, and, since then, he had worked with others such as Kevin Gates. Mo3’s label EMPIRE released a statement on his death, honoring his life and legacy.
"EMPIRE has lost a member of our family today -- Dallas' own MO3," the statement read. "We share this horrible loss with MO3's family, team and fans. His infectious personality and unrivaled talent brought joy and therapy to his legions of followers across the country. We can only hope to continue his legacy and push forward with the same energy that MO3 shared with the world. Love Live MO3."
Noble leaves behind three children and a host of family members and friends, including his manager, Benjamin Rainwater. Rainwater shared a picture of the friends turned business partners today on Facebook with a caption: "Started with no money, just lyrics and a dream. You face (sic) the whole city when everybody doubted you. Inspired they (sic) next generation that anything is possible.. Mo3 owns all his masters. So his kids will be paid 4 life... Your goal was accomplished..... RIP Mo3."
The suspect, described as a Black male, remains at-large, police said. Several videos of a man who believed to be Noble have circulated on social media. In viewing the footage, an unknown man dressed in medical scrubs can be seen trying to resuscitate the lifeless body lying on the busy highway as onlookers watched in disbelief. Police have not confirmed whether the man in the video is Mo3.
“We just encourage anyone who saw this who might have recorded this incident to come forward,” said Mitchell.
Anyone with information about the shooting should contact Det. Chris Anderson at (214) 671-3616 or email him at c.anderson@dallascityhall.com and reference case number 201916-2020. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of suspect(s) in the case.