Rapper Silentó Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Cousin’s Shooting Death
DECATUR, Ga. — Ricardo Lamar Hawk, better known as the Atlanta rapper Silentó, has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, along with several other charges related to the fatal shooting of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. The plea was entered on Wednesday, as the rapper received a 30-year prison sentence, according to DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.
Charges and Incident Details
In addition to voluntary manslaughter, the 27-year-old musician also admitted guilt to aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a crime, and concealing a body. A murder charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The violent incident occurred in the early hours of January 21, 2021, when authorities discovered Rooks outside a home in a suburban area of Decatur, suffering from gunshot wounds to his leg and face.
DeKalb County police reported finding ten bullet casings at the crime scene, and security footage captured a white BMW SUV fleeing immediately after shots were fired. Family members confirmed that Silentó had been with Rooks earlier that night and GPS data traced the vehicle to the site. About ten days after his arrest, Silentó confessed to his involvement, and ballistics evidence linked him to the weapon used in the shooting.
Family’s Impact Statement
During the court proceedings, Rooks’ siblings expressed their discontent with the sentence, arguing that Silentó should face a longer term for the loss of their brother. Rooks, aged 34 at the time of his death, leaves behind a grieving family grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.
Silentó’s Struggles
Silentó rose to fame in 2015 with his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” which ignited a national dance craze. However, he has faced significant personal struggles, including mental health challenges. In a 2019 appearance on the medical talk show "The Doctors," Silentó spoke candidly about his ongoing battles with depression and the toll of fame on his mental health, stating, “Depression doesn’t leave you when you become famous; it just adds more pressure.”
In addition to his involvement in his cousin’s death, the rapper has a troubling history with the law, including arrests for domestic violence and reckless driving—most notably for traveling at 143 miles per hour in 2020.
Conclusion
Silentó’s case serves as a grim reminder of the complex relationship between mental health issues and violent actions. As he embarks on a three-decade imprisonment, the impact of his decisions ripples through the lives of his family, advocates for mental health, and the vast community that once celebrated his rise in the music industry.
Updates regarding Silentó’s conditions and any potential appeals are pending as the situation develops.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.