Atlanta Rapper Silentó Gets 30-Year Prison Sentence For 2021 Murder Of Cousin

Atlanta Rapper Silentó Gets 30-Year Prison Sentence For 2021 Murder Of Cousin

Rapper Silento, real name Richard “Ricky” Hawk, was sentenced to 30 years in prison this week after pleading guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and other charges connected to the 2021 murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. Silento is most known for his 2015 debut single “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).”

The victim was found shot to death in the early hours of Jan. 21, 2021, outside a home in DeKalb County, Georgia. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, and surveillance footage showed a white BMW SUV speeding away from the scene. A family member told police that Rooks had last been seen with Silento, who had picked him up in a white SUV. Prosecutors said Silento later admitted to the shooting, and that shell casings found at the scene matched a gun found on him during his arrest.

 

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Silento’s PR manager, Chanel Hudson, issued a statement after his arrest:

“Please send my client Silentó some positive vibrations. Over the past several years, Ricky has been suffering immensely from a series of mental health illnesses. We will continue in his efforts of treatment, but we ask in the meantime the public uplift him and his family in immediate prayer and positive energy!!”

She added,

“Ricky is a beautiful soul, and we hope that the same people who came up whipping’ & nay nay-in with him, continue to support him and [keep him] lifted in prayer!! God bless.”

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