Pharrell Williams calls for transparency after police shot his cousin in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia - A cousin of hit musician Pharrell Williams has died. The 25-year-old was apparently shot dead by a police officer.

Rapper Pharrell Williams (47) is mourning the death of his cousin (†25), who was fatally shot in Virginia Beach.
Rapper Pharrell Williams (47) is mourning the death of his cousin (†25), who was fatally shot in Virginia Beach.  © instagram.com/pharrell

The rapper's cousin is one of two people killed during the multiple shootings in Virginia Beach over the weekend, the artist announced on his Twitter account early Tuesday.

"My cousin Donovon was killed during the shootings," Williams (47) wrote. "The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure."

At the same time, Williams expressed hope that the circumstances leading to the deaths of his 25-year-old cousin and a 29-year-old woman would be resolved.

French President Macron vows to "fight hard" to keep Emily in Paris
TV & Shows French President Macron vows to "fight hard" to keep Emily in Paris

"It is critical my family and the other victims' families get the transparency they deserve," he continued. "VA Beach is the epitome of hope and we will get through this."

Eight people were injured in Friday night's incidents, and three people arrested are still in custody, according to media reports.

Police issue contradictory statements on the 25-year-old's death

Two people died and eight others were injured in the Virginia Beach shootings.
Two people died and eight others were injured in the Virginia Beach shootings.  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Local police chief Paul Neudigate spoke on Saturday of a "chaotic night" with various crime scenes in which some of those involved had been armed.

According to media reports, the officer who shot Donovon Lynch was wearing a body camera, but it was not activated. That's why there is no video footage of the incident.

Neudigate confirmed at a press conference that the camera was not on, WTKR reported on Monday.

Kanye West accused of sexual assaulting assistant at event co-hosted by Diddy
Kanye West Kanye West accused of sexual assaulting assistant at event co-hosted by Diddy

There were also conflicting statements from police about whether or not Lynch had a gun on him, the CBS affiliate added.

Neudigate initially said there had been another incident in which a police officer shot a 25-year-old man who was armed.

Cover photo: instagram.com/pharrell

More on Celebrities: