Conn. club chauffeur charged in rapper's murder

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — Police have arrested a chauffeur for strippers at a Bridgeport club where an aspiring rapper was shot dead.

The Connecticut Post reports that Jamel Russell was charged with murder in the death of Voiese Pinn, who was shot in the face on Sept. 8 while sitting in a parking lot of Bishop Avenue Cafe.

Russell was arraigned Tuesday in Bridgeport Superior Court and was jailed on $1 million bond.

His lawyer said the 40-year-old Russell maintains his innocence and deserved consideration for having a steady job.

Police say witnesses identified the assailant as Russell, who lives in Ansonia.

While in Atlanta, Pinn recorded s songs and competed in local competitions. In January 2010, Pinn was shot outside of a Georgia recording studio but recovered and returned to his music.

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Information from: Connecticut Post