Rapper “Cool C” Execution Date Set for January
Former Atlantic Records recording artist and OG member of Philadelphia’s “Hilltop Hustlers” Christopher Roney, aka Cool C, finally received an execution date for the murder of police officer Lauretha Vaird in 1996. She was murdered in the midst of a botched robbery that involved fellow Hilltop Hustler member Steady B, as well as fellow Philly emcee Mark Canty. Both Steady B and Canty were arrested shortly after the robbery and sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Cool C, known for his joints like “The Glamorous Life” and “Juice Crew Dis,” initially had an execution date set for March 9, 2006 by former Governor of Pennsylvania Ed Rendell, but his execution was stayed in February 2006 due to litigation issues. Roney’s execution by lethal injection is scheduled for January 8, 2015.
Rapper Cool C, who tried to live up to his “Glamorous Life” single by robbing a Philadelphia bank and gunning down a cop, had his death warrant signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett.
Christopher Roney, aka Cool C, was convicted of first-degree murder after shooting Philadelphia Police Officer Lauretha Vaird, 43, a nine-year veteran who responded to a 1996 heist at PNC Bank on Rising Sun Ave.
Corbett announced he signed the warrant Friday and Roney, 44, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Jan. 8 at the State Correctional Institution-Greene.
Vaird, a single mother of two, was shot in the abdomen as Roney, Ernest Canty and Warren McGlone tried to rob the bank as it opened at 8:20 a.m. on Jan. 2, 1996.
His mother testified that she was making Roney breakfast at home when the robbery took place, but the conviction was upheld on appeal in 2005, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
OFFICERS UNIDENTIFIED GEORGE WIDMAN/Ap Police officers weep at the casket of slain policewoman Lauretha Vaird in north Philadelphia. Vaird was shot and killed in the line of duty when she responded to a bank robbery on Jan. 2, 1996.
Cool C, who released two albums, “I Gotta Habit” and “Life in the Ghetto,” was known for his gold chains, aviator sunglasses and hundred dollar bills.
His last release, “Countin’ Endless Bank,” was part of the group C.E.B., a 1993 collaboration with McGlone, aka Steady B.
McGlone and Canty are serving life in prison.
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