Case Summary
- Case Type
- Domestic Violence
- Incident Date
- early October
- Location
- Miami Beach, Miami, FL
- Investigating Agency
- WSVN Miami
- Suspect
- William Roberts II
- Suspect Age
- 50
- Charges
- battery, battery by strangulation
- Arrest Status
- turned himself in
- Court Status
- second arraignment scheduled
- Case Status
- pending
Rapper Rick Ross, whose legal name is William Roberts II, is scheduled for a second arraignment hearing in Miami on Friday morning following his arrest on domestic violence charges in early October.
The proceeding takes place in Miami, Florida, where authorities from WSVN Miami report that the 50-year-old artist is facing formal counts stemming from an incident that prompted him to turn himself in to the Miami Beach Police Department.
Incident Overview
According to reports from WSVN Miami, the legal proceedings stem from an arrest that occurred four weeks prior when William Roberts II, widely known as the rapper Rick Ross, surrendered to law enforcement at the Miami Beach Police Department. The initial arrest brought forward serious allegations of domestic violence, setting off a sequence of court dates and legal reviews to determine the formal path of prosecution.
The case encountered a procedural reset during the initial scheduling phase. Roberts was originally slated to appear in court the week prior to the upcoming Friday hearing, but the appearance was postponed. According to statements from the defense attorney, prosecutors required additional time to officially file the charges, leading to the rescheduled court calendar.
Timeline of Events
- Early October: William Roberts II turns himself in to Miami Beach Police following domestic violence allegations.
- Four weeks prior to the scheduled hearing: The suspect formally surrenders and faces initial processing by local authorities.
- One week prior to the current date: An initial arraignment appearance is reset after defense counsel notes that prosecutors require more time to officially file charges.
- Friday morning: A second arraignment hearing is scheduled to take place in Miami court.
Suspect Information
The suspect in this case is identified as William Roberts II, a 50-year-old individual known professionally as the Miami-raised rapper Rick Ross. Court records and law enforcement accounts indicate that Roberts surrendered himself to the Miami Beach Police Department approximately four weeks prior to the current hearing date.
Victim Information
Specific details regarding the victim or victims involved in the incident have not been released by authorities or reported in the available source materials, adhering to standard privacy protections surrounding domestic violence investigations.
Police Response
Law enforcement involvement began when William Roberts II turned himself in to the Miami Beach Police Department, initiating the booking and processing procedures associated with the reported domestic violence allegations.
Investigation
The investigation into the domestic violence allegations involves local law enforcement and prosecutors working within the Miami legal system to review evidence, interview relevant parties, and determine the formal filing of criminal charges.
Evidence Collected
- Police booking records from the Miami Beach Police Department
- Official case filings and charging documents processed by prosecutors
Arrest Details
The arrest occurred approximately four weeks prior to the scheduled Friday hearing when William Roberts II voluntarily turned himself in to the Miami Beach Police Department.
Charges Filed
- Battery: A criminal charge involving intentional and unlawful physical contact against another person without their consent.
- Battery by strangulation: A felony-level battery charge involving the intentional impeding of the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of a family or household member by applying pressure on the throat or neck.
Court Information
The legal proceedings are taking place in Miami, Florida, under the jurisdiction of the local court system. The case number has not been publicly released by authorities. The next scheduled appearance is a second arraignment hearing taking place on Friday morning.
Statements from Authorities
According to reports from WSVN Miami, defense counsel for the suspect noted during the initial scheduling phase that prosecutors required additional time to officially file the charges, which necessitated the resetting of the first court appearance.
Public Safety Information
Domestic violence affects individuals across all communities. Resources are available for those seeking confidential support and safety information. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233 or texting START to 88788. In an immediate emergency, always dial 911.
What Happens Next
During the upcoming arraignment hearing, the defendant will formally hear the charges read by the court, be advised of constitutional rights, and enter an initial plea. Following the arraignment, the case will proceed through the pre-trial phase, which may include discovery, motion hearings, and further court appearances as the judicial process unfolds.
