Rich Porter

Rich Porter
Rich Porter
Born	Richard Porter; July 26, 1965; Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	January 3, 1990 (aged 24); The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
Cause of death	Murder (gunshot wounds)
Other names	Money Rich; Rich; Richie Rich;
Occupation	Drug dealer
Criminal status	Deceased
Conviction(s)	a) 1984 drug possession; b) 1984 weapons possession
Criminal penalty	1–year prison sentence

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 War on Drugs 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.

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 and 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 and 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, and police found $2,239 in his pocket. His friend and former drug dealing partner Alpo Martinez was charged and convicted of his murder. On December 5, 1989 his 12-year-old brother William 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.[3]

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".

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.

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[1] Jr, James C. McKinley (January 6, 1990). "Missing Boy: Drug Trade Hits Again". The New York Times.

[2] "Rich, Alpo, and AZ: one of the most infamous New York City drug kingpins". Archived from the original on January 8, 2014.

[3] Lorch, Donatella (January 30, 1990). "Body of a Boy Found in Bags On Bronx Path". The New York Times.