The Tree Top Piru (also known as the Bompton Tree Top Piru) are a "set" of the Piru gang alliance, which is itself a part of the larger Bloods gang alliance. The gang gained notability for its connection to rappers YG 400 and DJ Quik. [1] The gang started in Compton, California in the 1970s, but has since spread to other parts of the United States.[2]
 Tree Top Piru graffiti | |
| Founded | 1970s |
|---|---|
| Founding location | West Compton |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Ethnicity | Primarily African-American |
| Allies | West Side Piru Campanella Park Piru |
| Rivals | Fruit Town Piru, Most Compton Crips |
| Notable members | DJ Quik YG |
History
editFormation
editThe Tree Top Piru formed in Compton, California in the 1970s.[3] The gang was named after the various streets in their territory which are named after trees including Acacia Street, Poplar Street, and Maple Street.
Eventually, the Tree Top Piru would spread to other parts of the United States, including Tennessee,[4] Texas[5] and Maryland.[6]
Tree Top Piru in Baltimore
editIn 2007, a high-ranking female member of the Tree Top Piru in Baltimore named Michelle Hebron killed David Leonard Moore, who Hebron believed to be a rival gang member. After killing Moore, Hebron wrote a poem, which was used as evidence in her trial:[7]
"I guess just shot a nigga in the head cause he wear blue but claim red. Plus I just wanted the satisfaction of seeing a nigga dead."
Hebron was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder and racketeering.[8]
Tree Top Piru in Texas
editIn January 2017, a Tree Top Piru member in Houston named Javan Oxavia Williams shot dead Charlie Bennett Jr., who Williams had an argument with. Williams committed a second murder in February 2017, when he killed Tonius Wayne Frank and ransacked Frank's apartment. Williams was sentenced to life in prison for the two murders.[5]
Depictions in media
edit- In the 1993 song "Piru Love" by Bloods & Crips, the Tree Top Piru is mentioned in the lines "Tree Top is to the left, Fruit Town is on the right."
- In his 1994 song "Dollaz + Sense", DJ Quik, who was affiliated with the Tree Top Piru,[9] refers to the gang when he says "West side trees sprayin' all the fleas."
References
edit- ^ "Pirus". 2010-04-06. Archived from the original on 2023-03-15. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
- ^ "TTP Bloods Leader Sentenced to 30 Years for Gang Racketeering Activities". FBI. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
TTP spread throughout the country
- ^ "Tree Top Piru". 2010-04-04. Archived from the original on 2023-04-01. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
- ^ Morgan-Rumsey, Camruinn (8 April 2022). "Knoxville Tree Top Piru gang members sentenced". WVLT 8. Archived from the original on 2023-04-01. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
- ^ a b "'He is an absolute killer': Treetop Piru gang member gets life in prison; killed 2 victims and 2 dogs, DA says". KPRC. 2021-12-17. Archived from the original on 2023-01-22. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
- ^ Fitzhugh, Nia (2022-06-10). "Gang member charged with 1st degree murder, sentenced to life plus 45 years". WBFF. Archived from the original on 2023-04-01. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
- ^ ""Michelle Hell" gets 30 years for racketeering". Baltimore Sun. 23 June 2010. Archived from the original on 2023-04-01. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
- ^ "TTP Bloods Leader Sentenced to 30 Years for Gang Racketeering Activities". FBI. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
- ^ "DJ Quik Speaks On Gang Life". HipHopDX. 2009-06-06. Archived from the original on 2023-04-01. Retrieved 2023-04-01.