Fort Worth man sentenced to 70 years in prison in 2018 killing of local rapper
A Fort Worth man convicted of murder was sentenced this week to 70 years in prison for the 2018 fatal shooting of a local rapper, according to Tarrant County court records.
The man, Ronald E. Berry, told a 911 call taker on Jan. 30, 2018, that he shot the victim, 36-year-old Demonta Tanksley, because Tanksley had entered his home and threatened him, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
But investigators said Tanskley was turning away to leave when Berry opened fire on him. Police said the two men had been friends and Tanskley was trying to resolve a disagreement between them.
Tanksley died from 13 gunshot wounds to his head and body near the home’s front door.
The day prior to the shooting, Tanksley told his mother that he planned to go to a friend’s house to discuss a rumor going around about a theft, his mother told the Star-Telegram in 2018.
“He’s not just another ‘Black male gone,’” his mother said. ““He was well-known. Everybody wanted to be his friend. He loved life. He was just life.”
Berry, 48, is also currently serving a 14-year sentence in federal prison on drug charges, according to the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 8:24 PM.
