Years after being romantically linked with hip-hop's queen bee, the ex-boyfriend of Lil' Kim, Damion "World" Hardy, may face the death penalty if convicted of ordering the execution of a rival.
According to New York's Daily News reports, the U.S. Justice Department decided Brooklyn prosecutors should seek the death penalty against Hardy and alleged hit man Eric "E-Bay" Moore.
Hardy is believed to be the leader of the Cash Money Brothers (CMB) drug crew. Hardy was indicted in 2005 on charges of alleged drug dealing as well as ordering the murder of rival Ivory "Peanut" Davis.
Prosecutors say Hardy ordered Moore to carry out the Aug.10, 2000 shooting of Davis, who was struck twice by bullets while sitting outside SoHo nightspot ClubNV at Hudson and Spring Streets. Davis would later die from his injuries, but not before driving off and fatally striking pedestrian Johan Camitz, a Swedish filmmaker.
Hardy and Moore both face lethal injection if convicted.
According to police, Hardy was also involved in a 2003 confrontation with 50 Cent in a New Jersey hotel parking lot, after 50 insulted Lil' Kim on the radio. That episode also involved gunplay.
A lawyer for Hardy says he has converted to Islam in recent years, legally changing his name to Isa Ibn Jibril. Hardy's attorney also believes his client is mentally ill.
After a 2004 arrest at JFK airport following his return from a religious voyage to the Middle East, Hardy suffered an outburst during his court appearance: "I am the Christ. I am the Messiah," he announced. "Do not be the one to go against the law. Adhere to the law's command before I give you warning. A day that is drawing near. A day of grief and regrets. Boiling water will be poured over your heads."
A federal judge ordered a psychiatric exam for Hardy last week in order to determine whether he will be competent to stand trial on federal racketeering and murder charges.
Defense lawyer David Ruhnke declined to discuss his client's relationship with Lil' Kim or his mental condition. He also wouldn't say whether Lil' Kim would be asked to testify at the penalty phase of the trial if Hardy is convicted.
"He's become a very devout Muslim," Ruhnke told the Daily News. "He maintains his innocence and the government does not allege that he personally killed any of the victims in the case."
Hardy, who dated Lil Kim in 2003, once lived with the rapper in her New Jersey home. Law enforcement sources believe the couple were once engaged.