Remy Ma leaving Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2008 - Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons. New York City, USA - 01.02.08

The hip-hop star - real name Remy Smith - is currently on trial in New York for allegedly shooting Makeda Barnes-Joseph in July (07) after a dispute over money.

Smith has always maintained her innocence over the alleged incident and has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, gang assault and witness intimidation.

However, in the trial's closing arguments on Monday (24Mar08), Smith's lawyer admitted that the rapper had shot Barnes-Joseph, but claimed the weapon had discharged accidentally during a scuffle.

Attorney Ivan Fisher told the court: "There is no other explanation for why Remy Smith would have chosen that unique moment in time to shoot her."

Makeda Barnes-Joseph, who was left critically wounded after the alleged shooting, recently dropped a $80 million (GBP40 million) lawsuit against the rapper in order to await the outcome of the star's trial.

Jury deliberation over the case is due to begin on Tuesday (25Mar08). Smith faces up to 25 years in jail if convicted.

Source: WENN