NYPD: Rapper Chinx was targeted

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - The image of Lionel "Chinx" Pickens's bullet-riddled Porsche Panamera is etched in the minds of all who loved the Queens-born, French Montana protégé. But clearly one person wanted the rising hip hop star dead.

I sat down with lead detectives Lt. Louron Hall and Lt. Richard Rudolph at police headquarters. Lt. Rudolph of Queens South Homicide says that Chinx was a target. They told me Chinx was on his way home to his wife, Janelli, and their children, but never made it.

In an exclusive surveillance photo, you can see his Porsche leaving a closed hookah lounge very early Sunday morning, May 17, 2015. Police say the shooting did not happen on Queens Boulevard as many believed, but on Main Street at the intersection.

Lt. Hall of the 107 Precinct detective squad says when Chinx got to Queens Boulevard and Main Street, someone walked right up to the driver's side and fired multiple shots into the car.

Contrary to what many believe, it was not a drive-by but more like an assassination. A dark-colored Altima or Mercedes followed the Porsche and stopped right behind it at the light.

A dozen 9mm shell casings were recovered, but more bullets could have been fired. Detectives are working a number of theories, none related to Chinx's past.

Lt. Rudolph says that as far as they know, Chinx was not involved with any serious drugs, and was he was about to make it big and make money. He says that nobody who knows anything about the murder is cooperating with the police.

Lt. Hall says they really need help from anyone in the rap industry who may know something to help them.

Chinx's widow Janelli has repeatedly called for anyone with information to come forward. She is determined to get justice for their children.

If you can help get this murder off the streets, call the crime stoppers hotline at 800-577-TIPS. You do not have to give your name.