American rapper Silentó, famous for the hit song “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)”, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing his cousin, Frederick Rooks.
The tragic incident happened in January 2021 in Georgia, USA. Silentó, whose real name is Richard Hawk, shot his cousin several times.
The police found ten shell casings at the scene. Surveillance footage and GPS data helped link the crime to the rapper’s car.
Just two weeks later, Silentó was arrested. He later pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter and other charges, including aggravated assault and having a weapon during the crime.
The more serious murder charge was dropped after a plea agreement.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that Silentó had a long history of mental health issues, including depression and past suicide attempts.
He had also faced earlier legal problems, such as domestic violence and reckless behaviour in 2020.
Frederick Rooks’ family said the 30-year sentence was not enough and asked for stronger justice.
Silentó’s rise to fame began in 2015 with a viral dance track. But behind the scenes, he struggled with the pressure that came with fame. He once said that becoming a celebrity made his mental health worse.
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