**Silentó Sentenced: Rapper Faces 30 Years for Cousin’s Tragic Death**
In a shocking turn of events, rapper Silentó, born Ricky Lamar Hawk, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following his conviction for the voluntary manslaughter of his cousin, Frederick Rooks. The Cobb County District Attorney, Sherry Boston, confirmed the sentencing on June 11, marking a grim conclusion to a case that has captivated and horrified fans and observers alike.
Silentó, best known for his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” pleaded guilty and mentally ill to charges that include aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing a death. Notably, the murder charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement, but the implications of his actions have rippled through the community and beyond.
The tragic incident occurred on January 21, 2021, when Rooks was found lifeless on the streets of an Atlanta suburb, suffering from gunshot wounds to his face and leg. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage captured the frantic moments following the shooting, with a white BMW—belonging to Silentó—seen fleeing the scene. It wasn’t until ten days later that the rapper confessed to the crime, a revelation that stunned fans and family alike.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the darker realities that can lurk behind the glitz and glamour of the music industry. As Silentó embarks on a lengthy prison sentence, the music world grapples with the fallout from this tragic event, leaving many to ponder the complexities of fame, mental health, and the devastating consequences of violence.
