Rapper Silentó formerly known as, Richard Hawk, has been sentenced to 30 years behind bars in connection with the 2021 shooting death of his cousin.
Hawk, became a viral sensation in 2015 for his hit“Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” He released the track while still enrolled as a junior at Redan High School. The catchy song currently boasts 1.9 billion views on Youtube.
Per the BBC, the DeKalb County Police Department confirmed that Silento, 27, was arrested on 1 February after his cousin, Frederick Rooks, was found shot dead on January 21.
The 34-year-old victim was found bleeding heavily after suffering gunshot wounds to his face and leg in a suburb of Georgia.
A relative told officers that Rooks and Hawk were last seen together after Hawk picked up his cousin in a white BMW SUV, according to PEOPLE. This same vehicle was captured fleeing the scene on home security footage after residents in the area heard gunshots.
Investigators did not have a suspect at the time but later identified Hawk as the gunman.
After Silento was taken into custody, prosecutors say he admitted shooting Rooks. Bullet casings from the scene also reportedly matched a gun found on the rapper at the time of his arrest.
After his arrest, Chanel Hudson, Silento’s PR manager, released a statement that read:
“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!!
“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 lifted in prayer!! God bless”