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19-Year-Old Arrested, Charged in Slaying of Rapper Kid Cali at Pool Party

A 19-year-old was arrested and charged in the slaying of an up-and-coming rapper named Kid Cali who was gunned down at a Granada Hills pool party, authorities announced Tuesday.

Inglewood resident Kenny Birdine was arrested on suspicion of first degree murder on Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department said. He was formally charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office Tuesday with bail set at $3,065,000. 

Justin Lishey, 30, known by his stage name Kid Cali or Cali Oso, was killed at a pool party Aug. 20 in the 12400 block of Longacre Avenue. The party had been heavily promoted on social media and through fliers, and an estimated 100 people attended.

Singer Chris Brown reacted to Lishey's death by posting "RIP Kid Cali" on Twitter, while Snoop Dogg tweeted, "Rest well young g."

A detective working the case told NBC4 he believes this was a "gang motivated" crime but he does not believe Kid Cali was in a gang. He also said it's not clear if Kid Cali was targeted or caught in the crossfire.

Jail records show Birdine was charged in the past with two misdemeanors.

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