Rapper Busta Rhymes has spoken out about the "great loss" of a "dear friend" after his former bodyguard was found dead in New York. Jermaine Williams, 35, was found on Wednesday with multiple gunshot wounds in Ozone Park, Queens.

According to reports, he was in Queens visiting his grandmother - but went missing for almost 24 hours.

Police found Williams' body wrapped in a blanket in the backseat of his SUV. Rhymes - real name Trevor Smith - is currently touring Europe and was devastated to hear of the tragic news. Williams worked briefly for the Touch It hitmaker in 2000.

In a statement released to website SOHH.com, he says: "We have all suffered a great loss and Jermaine Williams will be deeply missed. He has remained a dear friend, even though we have not worked together in 8 years. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family and we ask that we be allowed to mourn the loss of our friend in peace."

Police have yet to arrest any suspects in the murder.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)