DJ Erick Morillo was found dead at his Miami Beach home only three weeks after he was arrested on sexual assault charges.
The 49-year-old music producer was discovered by police responding to a 911 call. Officers said there were no apparent signs of foul play.
Morillo gained popularity in the 1990s with his hit song ‘I Like To Move It.’ He also won the titles ‘Best International DJ’ and ‘Best House DJ’ numerous times.
His grieving family confirmed the musician’s death to People, saying: “He was well-loved by his family and he had a lot of love to give.”
Many artists also expressed sadness at the heartbreaking news on Twitter.
DJ Joseph Capriati wrote: “Heartbreaking news. No words. Rest in peace.”
DJ Yousef wrote: “Can’t believe it. Only spoke to him last week… he was troubled, less than perfect but was always amazing to me and helped us get circus going in the early days, and we had many amazing times over the 20 years we were friends. Genuinely gutted. RIP.”
DJ Losch also said: “Terrible news. Erick Morillo RIP. A legend has left us.”
DJ Anton Powers posted: “R.I.P @ErickMorillo such sad news. Mr Subliminal, pretty much single handily changed the game. House Music Royalty and an absolute king on the decks.
“Will always be a massive honour to have DJed for him at his Subliminal Sessions Arena’s.”
His death comes three weeks after he was arrested on sexual assault charges after a rape kit allegedly came back positive for his DNA.
Morillo had denied the allegations made by another female DJ who claimed he raped her in December 2019.
According to police, the female DJ and Morillo had been hired to work at a private event. Then they went to his house with another female for drinks.
The female DJ told police that Morillo ‘made several advances towards her, some sexual in nature, but she refused all of his attempts.’
The alleged victim told authorities that Morillo apologized so she decided to stay. She later went to sleep and woke up naked with Morillo ‘standing on the side of the bed also nude.’
She said she was in pain and contacted 911.
The female DJ had a rape kit done and the results came back positive for Morillo’s DNA.
Morillo had denied the allegations but told authorities that he did have sex with the other female. The second woman said that she slept on the couch and did not witness anything.
In a statement to Daily Mail, Morillo’s lawyer said: “Mr. Morillo’s arrest is based on an incident that occurred back on December 7, 2019. Since then, Mr. Morillo has fully cooperated with the police.
“It is important the public understands that the police report contains mere allegations and Mr. Morillo is presumed innocent. There is more to the story than what is in the initial police report, and I look forward to sharing this evidence as I defend Mr. Morillo in court.”
The lawyer added: “Our system of justice requires that an accused is treated fairly and with due process. Mr. Morillo will be exercising all of his constitutional rights and I am confident when all of the evidence is presented in this case, justice will be served, and Mr. Morillo will be vindicated.”
Morillo released his first Move It! Album in 1994. It was followed by his 1996 Are You Ready For Some More.
He also produced music under many aliases included Smooth Touch, Li’l Mo Ying Yang, Deep Soul, Ministers de la Funk, Club Ultimate, and The Dronez.
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