Atlanta Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Cousin’s Murder
A DeKalb County Superior Court judge has sentenced Atlanta rapper Silentó, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. The 27-year-old rapper pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and other charges in connection with the 2021 deadly shooting.
According to reports from the DeKalb County Police Department, the incident occurred on January 21, 2021, when officers responded to a report of a person shot at a home off of Deep Shoals Circle and Corners Crossing. At the scene, police found Rooks, 34, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbours told police that they heard gunshots, and a security camera on a nearby home caught a white BMW SUV fleeing the scene shortly after the shots.
Investigators identified Hawk as the gunman after he was taken into custody. Prosecutors say he admitted shooting Rooks, and bullet casings from the scene matched a gun found on the rapper at the time of his arrest. The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Hawk had been in custody at the DeKalb County Jail since his arrest.
In a statement released after his arrest, Hawk’s PR manager, Chanel Hudson, said: "Please send my client Silentó some positive vibrations. Over the past several years, Ricky has been suffering immensely from a series of mental health illnesses. We will continue in his efforts of treatment, but we ask in the meantime the public uplift him and his family in immediate prayer and positive energy!! Ricky is a beautiful soul, and we hope that the same people who came up whipping’ & nay nay-in with him, continue to support him and lifted in prayer!! God bless."
The sentencing comes after a tumultuous period for the rapper, who rose to fame in 2015 with his hit song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)". The song charted worldwide and even hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It also started a social media phenomenon of videos being posted with people dancing to the song. However, Hawk has had previous run-ins with the law, including an arrest in DeKalb County in 2020 for driving 143 mph on Interstate 85, and a charge in Los Angeles for trying to hit two people with a hatchet in their home.
The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office and previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports provided information for this story. Silentó’s case highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of addressing mental health issues.
In related news, the community is still reeling from the impact of the shooting. Residents in the area have expressed concern about the rising levels of gun violence and the need for increased support for mental health services.
As for Silentó, he will serve the next 30 years in prison for his role in Rooks’ murder. The sentence brings closure to the victim’s family, who have been advocating for justice.
The case serves as a reminder of the need for communities to come together to address the root causes of violence and provide support for those affected by it.
The investigation and prosecution of Silentó’s case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Ultimately, the sentencing of Silentó brings a sense of justice to the community, but also underscores the importance of continued efforts to prevent gun violence and support mental health initiatives.
Related Stories:
- Gun Violence in Atlanta: A Growing Concern
- The Importance of Mental Health Support in Communities
Tags: DeKalb County, Crime and Public Safety, News
This article is based on reports from FOX 5 Atlanta: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/silento-jail-sentencing-prison-cousin-murder-cousin-georgia.
