Philip Von Wade
WEST COVINA – West Covina PD, L.A. County Sheriff, and San Dimas Search and Rescue Teams located the body of professional dancer Rahkeem “Rocky” Amani Reyes (27) in Azusa Canyon on September 10, 2016 after a five-day investigation that led to the arrest of Phillip Von Wade (20).
Reyes
Christina Oliver, a dancer and Reyes’ girlfriend, said Wade, who was not a friend, was hired to make a costume for Reyes several months ago. Her boyfriend never received the completed order and left his family’s home at 5:40 p.m. on September 5th to have part of the costume fitted at Wade’s West Covina home.
Reyes’ laptop and wallet in the still-running vehicle was found later on the 1500 block of McWood Street.
Wade was arrested, charged with murder with $1 million bail, and arraigned on September 12th at Pomona Superior Court.
Rahkeem Reyes and Christina Oliver
The L.A. County DA’s Office announced that Wade, accused of killing and dumping Reyes’ body in a canyon, pleaded not guilty. Case KA113465 charged felony murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon (an ax) when he bludgeoned his friend inside the residence then transported him by car to the forest.
L.A. County Superior Court Judge Salvatore Sirna set Wade’s bail at $2.02 million.
Deputy DA Marie Cox said, “The defendant returns to court on October 17th for a preliminary hearing. The maximum possible sentence is 26- years-to-life in state prison.”
Reye’s grief-stricken Chaplain father, mother, and family witnessed the proceedings. Afterwards, friends, family and the dance community honored Rocky and his dance career by dancing on the steps of the courthouse.
West Covina PD continues to investigate the full extent of the men’s relationship, and encourages anyone to call in anonymous information to (626) 939-8500.
