Domestic violence case dropped against popular Houston rapper

Houston rapper Z-Ro, real name Joseph Mcvey Houston rapper Z-Ro, real name Joseph Mcvey Photo: handout Photo: handout Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Domestic violence case dropped against popular Houston rapper 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

Domestic violence charges against noted Houston rapper Z-Ro were dismissed this week after the 41-year-old completed a batterer intervention program.

The well-known performer, whose real name is Joseph Wayne McVey, was accused of brandishing a gun while beating his rapper ex-girlfriend, Brittany Bullock, who goes by the stage name Just Brittany in 2017.

Background: Houston rapper Z-Ro faces judge on domestic abuse charges

In a typical pre-trial diversion agreement, Harris County prosecutors dismissed the case because McVey completed a class on preventing domestic violence. In court documents filed Tuesday, prosecutors said there was probable cause to arrest McVey, but that the case would be dropped.

Bullock told police the couple were at McVey's home in the Katy area in April 2017 when he slapped her, punched and dragged her for an hour and a half. She said she was assaulted so many times "she eventually got sick and threw up."

She reported the allegations three months after the incident and gave police a 20-minute audio recording of the alleged assault to back up her claim.

Investigators said they could hear McVey state "you're dead" in the recording as well as sounds that appeared to be slapping, court records show. Police also heard Bullock state "why did you just push me" and "get your fu**ing hands from around my neck."

If convicted of aggravated assault of a family member, McVey could have received up to 20 years in prison.

Brian Rogers covers Houston crime and courts. You can email him at brian.rogers@chron.com and follow him on Twitter at @brianjrogers.