The murder trial that has shadowed an East Oakland corner for more than a year now looks like it will never happen. Oakland rapper ChaiBenjii4, whose legal name is Michai Adams, appears on track to avoid murder and assault charges after taking a plea this week to a single gun-possession count, a move that could see him walk out of jail in January with credit for time served.
According to The Mercury News, Adams, 22, entered a no-contest plea to one firearm-possession charge. Prosecutors told the court they expect to dismiss the murder and assault counts at a sentencing hearing set for Jan. 6, 2026. The outlet reports that Adams is likely to receive credit for time already served and be released from Santa Rita Jail sometime in January.
The case traces back to a Sept. 7, 2024, shootout outside a liquor store near E Street and 105th Avenue that left 50-year-old Lamar Payne dead and shook the surrounding neighborhood. Earlier coverage by the East Bay Times laid out surveillance footage details, how the volley of gunfire unfolded, and how multiple suspects were identified.
Co-defendants and the evidence
Local reporting has identified two other suspects tied to the corner-store shootout and charted how investigators say the gun battle played out. Authorities have described links between Adams and at least one co-defendant and contend the incident involved several shooters; one man later faced weapons-related counts. Hoodline’s report on the early manhunt and community reaction noted that officers heavily relied on surveillance video to track down the suspects.
Sentencing and next steps
Under the plea arrangement, prosecutors are expected to formally drop the homicide and assault counts at Adams’ sentencing, leaving him to be punished only on the single gun charge to which he pleaded no contest, according to The Mercury News. Adams remains in custody at Santa Rita Jail for now and is anticipated to receive credit for time served when he returns to court in January…