Rich Porter
Richard Porter (July 26, 1965 – January 3, 1990), better known as Rich Porter, was an American drug dealer who rose to prominence in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the crack era in the mid–1980s. Porter was described by the police as being a "mid-level crack dealer" who "sold about $50 thousand worth of crack a week".[1] The 2002 film Paid in Full was based on Rich and his partners Azie Faison and Alpo Martinez.
Rich Porter | |
|---|---|
| Born | Richard Porter July 26, 1965 |
| Died | January 3, 1990 (aged 24) New York City, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Murder (gunshot wounds) |
| Other names |
|
| Occupation | Drug dealer |
| Criminal status | Deceased |
| Children | Donnell Whiten, Reshonia Porter, and Rhea Porter |
| Relatives | Dailen Whiten (Grandson) |
| Conviction(s) | a) 1984 drug possession b) 1984 weapons possession |
| Criminal penalty | 1–year prison sentence |
Life
Born Richard Porter in the Harlem section of New York City, Porter was the oldest of three children born to Velma Porter. Porter began selling drugs at the age of 12, rising through the ranks of the drug trade in Harlem. He became known for his flamboyant and high-profile lifestyle. He was rumored to have never worn the same outfit twice and that he owned over a dozen luxury vehicles that he kept in a garage in Manhattan during the height of his career as a drug dealer.[2]
Death
He was murdered on January 3, 1990. His body was found the next day in the vicinity of Orchard Beach, Bronx. He had been shot several times in the head and chest. Police found $2,239 in his pocket. His friend and former drug dealing partner Alpo Martinez was charged and convicted of his murder.[3]
On December 5, 1989 his 12-year-old brother Donnell Porter was kidnapped in Harlem on his way to school and then had his finger cut off in order to extort $500,000 in ransom money from Rich. He was eventually killed and his body was found on January 28, 1990, a mile away from where Rich's body was found and less than a month after Rich's murder.[4] His brother Donnell was kidnapped and killed by their maternal uncle and his gang, who were known as the Preachers Crew.[5]
In popular culture
The 2002 film Paid in Full was based on the life and death of Rich, and his involvement in drug dealing along with Azie Faison and Alpo Martinez. His character was portrayed by fellow Harlem native Mekhi Phifer. Richard Porter and the kidnapping and murder of his 12-year-old brother are also the subject of an episode of the FBI Files (Season 03, Episode 18) "The C-11 Squad".
Porter was also referenced in the song Money Makin Mitch by Rapper Young Nudy.
References
- Jr, James C. McKinley (January 6, 1990). "Missing Boy: Drug Trade Hits Again". The New York Times.
- "Rich, Alpo, and AZ: one of the most infamous New York City drug kingpins". Archived from the original on January 8, 2014.
- Lorch, Donatella (January 30, 1990). "Body of a Boy Found in Bags On Bronx Path". The New York Times.
- Lorch, Donatella (January 30, 1990). "Body of a Boy Found in Bags On Bronx Path". The New York Times.
- "Azie Faison on Rich Porter's Brother Kidnapped, Alpo Killing Rich". YouTube.