Silentó Sentence: Atlanta Rapper Gets 30 Years in Prison

Silentó, the Atlanta rapper celebrated for his infectious 2015 dance anthem “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has faced a tragic and dramatic turn of events, culminating in a 30-year prison sentence. The conviction stems from his involvement in the 2021 shooting of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, which has shocked both fans and friends alike. Initially rising to fame with his viral hit, Silentó, born Ricky Lamar Hawk, now represents a cautionary tale of how quickly a celebrated career can spiral into chaos due to violence and criminal activity. The DeKalb County District Attorney confirmed that he pled guilty to charges including voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, underscoring the grave nature of his actions that led to the tragic loss of life within his own family.

Details surrounding the shooting paint a grim picture, as Frederick Rooks III was discovered at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds, prompting an extensive investigation. Surveillance footage revealed Hawk fleeing in a white BMW, leading to further scrutiny. Ballistic evidence linked the crime to a firearm recovered from him, underscoring the calculated nature of the incident. Ten days post-shooting, Silentó confessed, revealing that his mental health struggles, including a previous suicide attempt, played a significant role in his actions. Yet, despite these personal battles, the court ultimately ruled on the side of justice, stressing that mental health issues do not excuse the severity of taking another’s life. The 30-year sentence reflects the gravity of the offense while also serving as a somber reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health in relation to criminal behavior.

Summary

Atlanta rapper Silentó, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges including voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault related to the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. The rapper, famous for his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” was involved in the incident where Rooks was found with multiple gunshot wounds, and evidence such as surveillance footage and ballistic testing linked Hawk to the crime. Despite citing mental health issues and a prior suicide attempt as factors, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office asserted that the gravity of the offense warranted a significant prison sentence.