Atlanta Rapper Silento Sentenced to 30 Years for Cousin's Death
Ricky Lamar Hawk, professionally known as Silento, the American rapper famous for his viral 2015 hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following his conviction related to the 2021 death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.
Background on Silento's Career
Born in 1998, Silento quickly rose to prominence as a teenager with his catchy debut track, which ignited a worldwide dance craze and secured a spot at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyond his initial success, he released a full album in 2019 and collaborated with other artists. However, his promising career was later overshadowed by troubling legal issues and erratic behavior.
The 2021 Shooting Incident
In the early hours of January 21, 2021, police discovered Silento’s cousin, 34-year-old Frederick Rooks III, shot multiple times outside a residence near Decatur, Georgia. Investigators recovered ten bullet casings at the scene, while security footage captured a white BMW SUV speeding away shortly thereafter.
Testimony from family members and GPS data linked Silento to the vehicle involved. Authorities arrested him in February 2021 after he was found with gunshot wounds himself. Following his arrest, forensic evidence connected the casings to a firearm in Silento’s possession, and the rapper ultimately confessed to the shooting about ten days later.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In a plea deal, Silento pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges that included voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and concealing the death of another. The more severe murder charge was dropped. The voluntary manslaughter charge carries a 20-year sentence, with additional five-year terms for firearm possession and concealment of death, leading to a cumulative sentence of 30 years in prison.
Struggles and Prior Legal Troubles
Silento’s legal difficulties extend beyond this case. In 2020, he was arrested for reckless driving at speeds exceeding 140 mph on Interstate 85. The same year, he faced charges in California after allegedly threatening two individuals with a hatchet inside a stranger’s home. His representative has highlighted ongoing mental health struggles, sharing that Silento had attempted suicide prior to his arrest.
Reflection on a Fallen Star
Once celebrated for sparking a global dance sensation, Silento’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of sudden fame without adequate support. His significant prison sentence concludes a tragic chapter marked by loss, legal battles, and mental health challenges.
This article aims to provide a factual, humanized overview of Silento's legal case and the circumstances surrounding it, highlighting the intersection of fame, mental health, and justice.
