Sacramento Rapper and Zilla Member “IBoyy” Identified as Victim in Deadly Early Morning Shooting

SACRAMENTO, CA — July 24, 2025 — A man fatally shot in the early hours of Thursday morning in the South Natomas neighborhood of Sacramento has been identified as Isaac Rudolph, a local rap artist known by the stage name “IBoyy.” He was a prominent member of the city’s underground rap group Zilla Gang, and his death has sent shockwaves through fans, friends, and fellow artists across the region.

Shots Ring Out Just Before Dawn

According to the Sacramento Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:30 a.m. to the 2000 block of West El Camino Avenue, following reports of a possible shooting in the area. When they arrived, they found a male victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound.

Emergency personnel attempted to render life-saving aid, but Rudolph was pronounced dead at the scene. The area was quickly cordoned off as investigators canvassed for witnesses and gathered evidence.

“We have active homicide detectives on this case,” said Sgt. Victoria Sanders of Sacramento PD. “We’re working diligently to understand what happened and who is responsible.”

Identity Confirmed: Zilla Gang’s “IBoyy”

The victim was soon confirmed to be Isaac Rudolph, 23, known widely across Sacramento’s music scene as “IBoyy.” He was a vocal member of Zilla Gang, a local rap collective that has built a steady following for its gritty, emotionally raw lyrics that reflect the lived experiences of youth in Sacramento’s toughest neighborhoods.

Friends and fellow artists took to social media to express their shock and grief over the news.

“He had real talent, and even more heart,” said a longtime friend who collaborated with IBoyy on music projects. “He was finally getting traction—and then this.”

An Artist on the Rise, Silenced Too Soon

IBoyy had recently been working on a new EP that many believed would help him break into the national scene. He previewed snippets on social media, hinting at deeper themes around survival, struggle, and loyalty.

Despite growing up around hardship, he often spoke in interviews and on live streams about “making it out” and building a better life for his younger siblings and his mother.

“He was more than a rapper—he was a poet of the struggle,” said local promoter D. Tremaine, who booked him for a July 4th showcase in downtown Sacramento. “Now, like too many young Black men in this city, he’s gone to gun violence.”

Scene Secured, but No Arrests Made

Detectives remained on the scene for several hours Thursday morning, gathering evidence, interviewing residents, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings. Authorities have not confirmed whether the shooting was gang-related, targeted, or the result of an altercation.

No arrests have been made as of Friday morning, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

“We believe someone out there knows something,” said Sgt. Sanders. “Please come forward. This family deserves answers.”

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest.

A City in Mourning — And Calling for Change

The death of IBoyy has reignited community outrage over the ongoing wave of youth gun violence in Sacramento. Several community leaders have called for urgent citywide intervention and outreach to help prevent more young lives from being lost.

“We’re losing future leaders, fathers, and artists,” said Rev. Jordan Fields, a youth advocate who worked with Rudolph at local outreach events. “Sacramento must act now. We need mentorship, we need funding, and we need justice.”

Growing Memorial at the Scene

By late Thursday evening, a growing crowd gathered near the site of the shooting. A makeshift memorial of candles, flowers, posters, and handwritten notes had formed under a nearby streetlight. Family members could be seen embracing one another while community members lit candles and played IBoyy’s music.

Some mourners wore Zilla Gang merchandise in tribute, while others simply stood in silence, tears in their eyes.

“He had a dream. He had a gift,” one young fan said. “Now all we got is his music—and his memory.”

What We Know So Far

• Victim: Isaac Rudolph (aka “IBoyy”), 23, local rapper
• Affiliation: Zilla Gang (music collective)
• Date/Time: Thursday, July 24, 2025, around 3:30 a.m.
• Location: 2000 block of West El Camino Ave, South Natomas
• Cause of Death: Gunshot wound(s)
• Status: No suspects identified; investigation ongoing

Call for Information

Sacramento Police urge anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has relevant information to contact the department at (916) 808-5471, or to submit anonymous tips through Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers.