Man ordered held in slaying of rapper found in Barstow
A Superior Court judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to hold over for trial defendant Dudzai Prosper Pswatai in the execution-style shooting death of 24-year-old rapper Robert Mastrangelo during a hearing Thursday.
After listening to testimony, Judge John B. Gibson ordered Pswatai held to face charges of murder, kidnapping, robbery and a newly added fourth count of solicitation of murder of a witness, confirmed Deputy District Attorney Shannon Faherty.
Pswatai also face a special allegation for the use of a firearm for the first three counts, Faherty said.
"We put on our evidence, and the holding order was appropriate for the evidence," Faherty said, via telephone after the hearing. When asked if she was pleased with the outcome, Faherty responded: "Most certainly."
Pswatai returns Sept. 3 for formal arraignment in Barstow Superior Court.
A jogger found Mastrangelo's body on June 14 alongside Outlet Center Drive near the northbound off-ramp of the 15 Freeway in Barstow. His feet were bound and he had been shot several times in the upper body, authorities said.
The victim's sister had reported him missing June 11.
An autopsy determined that Mastrangelo's death was the result of gunshot wounds to the upper body, according to Barstow Police. Detectives determined that Mastrangelo, of San Bernardino, was last seen on May 11 in the Redlands area where he was scheduled to meet with an acquaintance.
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