Rapper Silentó sentenced to 30 years for cousin's murder
- Rapper Ricky Lamar Hawk, known as Silentó, was arrested for the shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in January 2021.
- He pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and other related offenses, receiving a 30-year prison sentence.
- The case sheds light on Hawk's long history of mental health issues and the hope for rehabilitation during his imprisonment.
In the United States, on January 21, 2021, a tragic shooting occurred that resulted in the death of Frederick Rooks III, who was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The incident happened in Panthersville, Georgia, and was linked to the rapper Ricky Lamar Hawk, better known as Silentó. Hawk was later arrested by the DeKalb County Police after evidence, including ballistics testing and security footage, connected him to the scene. He was accused of shooting Rooks, his 34-year-old cousin. Silentó, who gained fame with his viral hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," faced serious legal repercussions for his actions. Hawk was charged with voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possessing a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing the death of another. As part of a plea deal, a murder charge was dropped, enabling him to plead guilty but mentally ill. This plea acknowledged his struggles with mental health, which his attorney cited as a significant factor contributing to his actions. During the sentencing, members of Rooks' family expressed their dissatisfaction with the terms of Hawk's plea agreement, advocating for a longer sentence. Nevertheless, the court acknowledged Hawk's mental health issues, which had reportedly been ongoing since childhood. Following his guilty plea, it was indicated that Hawk would be placed in a facility designed to address his mental health needs rather than a standard prison, offering him treatment in line with his diagnosis. This arrangement aims to help him manage his mental illness while serving time for his crimes. Hawk's legal journey and the tragic incident highlight critical conversations about mental health, celebrity accountability, and gun violence. His attorney expressed hope for Hawk's future and the possibility of rehabilitation, asserting that he could eventually reintegrate into society as a productive member once adequately treated. The case raises questions about the intersection of fame, personal struggles, and the legal system in addressing violent crimes.