"Guilty, Yet Mental Health Struggles": Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years for Fatal Shooting
Rapper Rae Sremmurd's member, Silentó, faces potential imprisonment for 30 years.
In a dramatic turn of events, 27-year-old rapper Ricky Lamar Hawk, better known as Silentó, famous for his 2015 hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
This ruling, as confirmed by the DeKalb County District Attorney's office in a statement, came after Silentó's guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and concealing the death of another [1][2][3]. An original murder charge was dropped.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of January 21, 2021, in a suburb of Decatur, Georgia. Officers responding to a shooting discovered Frederick Rooks III, 34, fatally wounded in front of a residence [2]. Neighborhood surveillance cameras captured a white BMW SUV fleeing the scene, which was later traced back to Silentó [3].
The rapper finally confessed to the shooting ten days after his arrest on February 1, 2021. The ballistic tests confirmed that the ten shell casings found at the scene matched his weapon [2].
With his plea of "guilty, yet mentally ill," the state's justice department will evaluate Silentó's mental health and provide necessary treatment during his imprisonment.
Silentó's mental health battles and turbulent childhood were highlighted in the TV show "The Doctors" in 2019 [3]. At the time of his arrest, a representative stated that the rapper was "suffering from a range of serious mental health issues." Prior to the fatal shooting, he had several run-ins with the police [3].
Silentó was still studying in an Atlanta suburb when he released "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" in 2015, sparking a worldwide dance craze. The music video has been viewed over 1.9 billion times on YouTube [3].
Help and Support for Mental Health and Depression:
- For immediate assistance in case of suicide risk, call the emergency number 112.
- Germany-wide depression support line, free of charge: 0800 33 44 5 33.
- Counseling in crisis situations: Telefonseelsorge (0800/111-0-111 or 0800/111-0-222, free call).
- Children and youth telephone (Tel.: 0800/111-0-333 or 116-111).
- German Depression Aid provides regional crisis services, clinics, and tips for those affected and their relatives.
- The German Depression League is committed to those affected and their relatives with an email consultation for the depressives.
- Local contact points (KISS) provide an overview of self-help groups for depression.
References:
[1] ntv.de[2] vpr/spot[3] Your Source (unnamed)
- The sentencing of rapper Silentó, who gained fame for his hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," to 30 years in prison for a fatal shooting adds another chapter to the general-news and crime-and-justice headlines, while also raising concerns about the role of mental health in the entertainment industry, especially within the rap genre.
- Amidst the latest developments in the Silentó case, it's worth noting that this is not the first time celebrities in the music industry have been confronted with crime-related issues, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health support and services within the entertainment sector.
- As Silentó is sent to prison, the spotlight moves from his music career to his legal struggles, serving as a stark reminder of the intersection between entertainment, crime, and mental health, highlighting the importance of addressing these complex issues in broader discussions surrounding general-news and celebrity culture.
