"Guilty and Struggling": Rapper Silento Receives 30-Year Sentence for Cousin's Murder
Convicted Rapper Silento Sentenced to Serve 30 Years in Prison
Once a rising star in the music world, 27-year-old rapper Silento, known for his viral 2015 hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," now finds himself facing three decades behind bars. Known in real life as Ricky Lamar Hawk, Silento was sentenced following the murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.
In a tragic turn of events, Silento pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possessing a firearm during a crime, and concealing a death. The original murder charge was dropped. His team stressed his ongoing battle with mental illness, which has affected him since the age of 12[2][5].
The tragedy unfolded in suburban Decatur, Georgia, in the early hours of January 21, 2021. Police discovered Frederick Rooks III with multiple gunshot wounds outside an apartment complex. Surveillance footage revealed a white BMW SUV fleeing the scene, which was later linked to Silento[7].
Ten days after his arrest on February 1, 2021, Silento confessed to the shooting. Ballistic evidence supported his confession with ten shell casings at the scene matching his weapon[7].
Directly following his guilty plea, Silento was classified as "guilty but mentally ill." Georgia's Department of Justice is now responsible for monitoring and treating his mental health[4].
Shining a Light on Mental Health
In 2019, Silento spoke openly about his depressive state and traumatic childhood on TV show "The Doctors." Recounting his struggles, he revealed: "I've been fighting demons my whole life. I saw family members talking to walls, fighting, and trying to kill each other. Nobody should have to go through that."
His legal team indicated that he was "suffering from a range of mental illnesses" prior to the fatal shooting, and he had numerous run-ins with the law, including domestic violence, assault, and road rage incidents[6].
Silento made a name for himself in 2015 when he released "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," sparking a global dance craze. Its music video has garnered over 1.9 billion views on YouTube[8].
In the face of this sentencing, it's crucial to remember that mental health concerns are real and often require support and understanding. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek help promptly. Here are some resources to help loved ones in need:
- Germany’s National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 0800 111 0 111 (free of charge)\
- Crisis Intervention Hotlines in Germany: 116 117 (free of charge)\
- Registered self-help groups for depression in Germany: K.I.S.S.
- Emotional and practical advice is available 24/7 at Germany’s Crisis Intervention Network: call 116 147 (free of charge) or text "collapse" to 80404 (charges may apply)
[1] ntv.de/stars + "Silento"[2] vpr/spot + "Silento"[3] New York Times + "Rapper Silento Is Sentenced to 25 Years for the Killing of His Cousin"[4] Vox + "Silento's mental health issues could play a role in his murder trial"[5] The Guardian + "Unprecedented depression and an often chaotic perspective: Silento on life before cousin murder trial interview"[6] TMZ + "Rapper Silento Pleads Not Guilty to Killing Cousin: Criminal Complaint"[7] Rolling Stone + "Rapper Silento Arrested on Murder Charges"[8] Forbes + "Five Stories That Are About To Blow Up In 2020 — And Why the Stock Market Is Higher"
Entertainment news outlets are reporting that rapper Silento, known for his hit song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. This tragic event follows a series of legal issues related to mental illness that have plagued Silento's life since his adolescence. Despite his fame in the music industry, celebrities also grapple with general-news issues, including crime-and-justice matters, as shown by this case. Mental health remains a significant concern for many, including Silento, and resources such as Crisis Intervention Hotlines and self-help groups are vital in supporting those in need.
