Atlanta Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Murdering Cousin
A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in the case of Atlanta rapper Silentó, who has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in 2021. According to reports from Hindustan Times, Silentó, whose real name is Richard Lamar “Ricky” Hawk, was taken into custody in February 2021 and charged with the murder.
The incident occurred on January 21, 2021, in the early morning hours, when Rooks was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside a home in a suburban area near Decatur. CCTV footage revealed that Silentó fled the scene in a white BMW SUV after the murder. A total of 10 bullet casings were found near Rooks’ body. Hindustan Times reports that Silentó’s publicist, Chanel Hudson, revealed that he had been struggling in the months before the arrest and had tried to kill himself in 2020.
The Rise and Fall of Silentó
Silentó rose to fame in 2015 with his debut single “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," which sparked a global dance craze and racked up millions of views across YouTube and Vine. The track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following his breakout success, Silentó collaborated with artists like Punch on a 2016 single that earned a World Collaboration Award at the Seoul Music Awards. He also joined Let’s Dance: The Tour that same year.
However, his career declined amid a string of legal troubles. In 2017, he was temporarily banned from leaving the UAE due to a contract dispute. By 2020, he had been arrested multiple times for incidents including domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, and reckless driving.
The Charges and Sentencing
On Wednesday, Silentó pleaded guilty but mentally ill to several charges, including voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing the death of another. As reported by Hindustan Times, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. This sentence brings an end to a tumultuous chapter in the life of the rapper, who had struggled with mental health issues and a history of run-ins with the law.
The Impact of the Case
The case has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with many fans and fellow artists left to grapple with the consequences of Silentó’s actions. As Hindustan Times reports, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of addressing mental health concerns.
A Timeline of Events
- January 21, 2021: Frederick Rooks III is found shot multiple times outside a home in a suburban area near Decatur.
- February 2021: Silentó is arrested and charged with the murder of his cousin.
- 2020: Silentó had been arrested multiple times for incidents including domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, and reckless driving.
- 2017: Silentó was temporarily banned from leaving the UAE due to a contract dispute.
The developments in this case serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise when mental health concerns and violence intersect. As reported by Hindustan Times, the sentencing of Silentó brings closure to a tragic chapter in the lives of those affected.
