Rapper Silento received a 30-year prison sentence for shooting his cousin Frederick Rooks III during 2021. The performer whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk pleaded guilty but mentally ill to several charges. Courts found him responsible for voluntary manslaughter and gun possession crimes. Mental health problems affected the artist but did not excuse his actions.
Police discovered Rooks with multiple gunshot wounds on January 21 that year. Security cameras showed a white BMW SUV leaving the area moments after the shooting occurred. Investigators learned that Rooks spent time with Silento before his death. The vehicle belonged to the rapper and helped connect him to the murder scene.
Silento struggled with severe mental health issues for years before the killing happened. He attempted suicide during 2020 and spoke about fighting personal demons throughout his life. Courts sentenced him to three decades behind bars with credit for time already served. He must complete 10 additional years of supervised release after prison.
Police discovered Rooks with multiple gunshot wounds on January 21 that year. Security cameras showed a white BMW SUV leaving the area moments after the shooting occurred. Investigators learned that Rooks spent time with Silento before his death. The vehicle belonged to the rapper and helped connect him to the murder scene.
Silento struggled with severe mental health issues for years before the killing happened. He attempted suicide during 2020 and spoke about fighting personal demons throughout his life. Courts sentenced him to three decades behind bars with credit for time already served. He must complete 10 additional years of supervised release after prison.
