Wichita rap session gone wrong left one dead. An affidavit offers details
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wichita basement rap session escalated into fatal shooting on March 22, 2025.
- Jaden Watts charged with second-degree murder, claims self-defense.
- Trillion Ross faces charges tied to firearm possession and evidence tampering.
Two men arrested and charged in connection with a March shooting were recording and talking about rap music before a fatal fight broke out, an affidavit shows.
But people who were there disagreed on what triggered the argument, who was present for the crime and if the deadly shooting was done in self-defense.
Jaden Watts, Demarc Burgess, Trillion Ross and several others were hanging out and recording rap music in the basement of an east Wichita home when Watts, 19, and Burgess, 24, began arguing. Burgess initially came to the house early on March 22 to collect his recording equipment but, his girlfriend said, stuck around while Ross, 20, used it to record, the affidavit read.
The girlfriend said while she and Burgess were at the house, she began talking to Watts, who became argumentative after she told him she recognized him from parties.
“(The witness said she had seen Watts) at multiple parties in the past, and he always has a firearm with an extended magazine exposed,” the affidavit read. “ … (She described Watts) as having the gun tucked into his waistband and his shirt tucked behind it so everyone could see that he had a gun.”
According to the affidavit, Burgess intervened to argue with Watts — also known as “J-Pape” — after Watts told Burgess’ girlfriend to “(expletive) off.”
Over the course of a few hours, witnesses said, the tension continued to build between Watts and Burgess. Burgess’ girlfriend, the affidavit read, said the two were arguing about rap skills. A different witness and a friend of Burgess said he was “pressing on” Watts, while Ross said Watts was “clowning” Burgess.
According to the affidavit, a witness and friend of Watts said Burgess had been pulling his gun out all night and threatening to shoot or kill Watts. Burgess, who pleaded guilty last year to a count of aggravated assault and a count of aggravated battery in the death of 28-year-old Raul Aguilar, was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a felon.
More than one witness claimed to have seen Watts, Burgess and Ross carrying guns that morning; Ross, who also is not allowed to carry a gun due to felony convictions, denied having one in his possession.
According to the affidavit, Burgess and Watts were arguing face to face when Burgess hit Watts. According to a witness, Watts then picked up Burgess’ gun and shot him in the abdomen three times. One witness claimed the gun was on a nearby couch, while others claimed it fell out of Burgess’ pants after he struck Watts.
A single 9mm shell casing was found in the basement, and several bullet strike marks were left on the basement walls and ceiling. An audio recording from a nearby home captured nine consecutive gunshots before a pause and then another four shots.
After the shooting, two calls were made to 911 shortly before 4 a.m. According to the affidavit, a nearby camera captured several people running out of the house, with some leaving in a car spinning its tires as it left the neighborhood. Emergency medical services took Burgess to Wesley where he died.
After receiving a tip from a witness, police officers found a black Canik MC9 handgun in a neighboring backyard. Fingerprints on the Canik MC9, according to the affidavit, belonged to Ross. A few days later, a second gun —a Glock 17 —was found inside a plastic bag a few blocks west of the crime scene. Firearms examiners confirmed that the Glock fired bullets found in Burgess’ body and the basement’s walls, the affidavit read. Examiners did not find fingerprints on the Glock, but five DNA profiles were found on the gun, one belonging to Burgess and another belonging to Watts.
A warrant for Watts was issued on March 24, but Watts was not found and arrested until late June. Watts has been charged with second-degree murder. His bond was set at $1 million.
Watts’ attorney has since requested that the case be dismissed, claiming the shooting was done in self-defense. Judge Tyler Roush denied the motion, which was presented on Aug. 28. Watts’ arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 10. Watts’ attorney did not respond to a request for comment from The Eagle.
According to police documents, Ross was arrested on March 25. He’s since been charged with concealing, altering or destroying evidence in a felony case and criminal possession of a weapon. His jury trial is scheduled for Nov. 3.
