Detroit rapper AllStar JR will have to wait a little longer before facing trial in his federal firearm case stemming from a Houston restaurant shooting that allegedly left rapper NBA Ben10 with permanent spinal injuries.
According to a new order filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Judge George C. Hanks Jr. granted an unopposed motion to continue the case, moving the jury trial from July 7 to August 31, 2026.
The new schedule comes after AllStar JR's attorney, John M. Helms, asked the court for an additional 60 days to prepare his defense. In the filing, Helms argued that more time was needed to review discovery, investigate the incident, meet with his client, and determine whether the case could be resolved before trial. Prosecutors did not oppose the request.
Helms also noted that his client has only received one surveillance video from the government, while additional discovery remains outstanding. He further pointed to a parallel Harris County, Texas aggravated assault case arising from the same incident, arguing that it adds another layer of complexity to the defense. The filing also indicates the defense is expected to raise a justification or necessity argument.
The federal case stems from an April 8 shooting inside Confessions Restaurant on Houston's Kirby Drive. According to investigators, surveillance footage allegedly shows multiple men confronting AllStar JR, whose real name is Jeremy Christopher Ford, in what authorities described as an attempted robbery involving his jewelry. During the struggle, a handgun allegedly fell to the floor before Ford picked it up and began firing.
Federal prosecutors allege one man was shot before the others fled toward an elevator. Authorities claim Ford then approached the wounded individual, fired additional shots at close range and struck him with the handgun before leaving the restaurant.
The same confrontation resulted in rapper NBA Ben10, born Ben Anthony Fields, being shot multiple times. His family later confirmed he was among those wounded, and court filings in Harris County allege he suffered irreversible paralysis as a result of the shooting.
In addition to the federal felon-in-possession charge, AllStar JR is also facing a state charge of aggravated assault causing traumatic brain or spine injury in Harris County.
Prosecutors have also cited several social media posts and the rapper's music video for "Mob United" as part of their case, alleging he used the posts and video to taunt people involved in the incident. The song references Confessions, the Houston restaurant where the violence unfolded.
Barring any further delays, jury selection is now scheduled to begin August 31 in Houston, where the trial is expected to last approximately three days.
