Fact Check: The rapper Silentó has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty in the 2021 shooting death of his cousin.

Fact Check: Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Cousin's Murder

What We Know

The rapper Silentó, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in January 2021. Hawk entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to charges that included voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing the death of another. A murder charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement (ABC News, CBS News).

The incident occurred on January 21, 2021, when police found Rooks suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Security footage captured a white BMW SUV, which Hawk had used to pick up Rooks shortly before the shooting, fleeing the scene (NBC New York, People). Ballistics testing matched the bullet casings found at the scene to a firearm that Hawk possessed at the time of his arrest (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Los Angeles Times).

Hawk's attorney stated that the rapper has struggled with mental health issues for many years, which played a significant role in the case (ABC News). Following his sentencing, Hawk will likely be placed in a facility that can address his mental health needs, rather than a standard prison (CBS News).

Analysis

The claim that Silentó has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to the shooting death of his cousin is accurate and well-supported by multiple credible sources. The details surrounding the case, including the nature of the charges and the circumstances of the shooting, have been consistently reported across various news outlets, including The New York Times and ABC News.

The plea of guilty but mentally ill indicates that while Hawk admitted to the crime, he also acknowledged his mental health struggles, which have been documented over several years. This context is crucial for understanding the legal outcomes and the potential for rehabilitation (People, NBC New York). The sources used in this analysis are reputable and provide a comprehensive overview of the case, including statements from law enforcement and Hawk's legal representation.

While some reports mention that family members of the victim expressed dissatisfaction with the length of the sentence, this does not undermine the factual accuracy of the sentencing itself (CBS News, Los Angeles Times). The information is corroborated by official statements from the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office, further enhancing the reliability of the claims made.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Silentó has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to the shooting death of his cousin is confirmed by multiple credible sources. The details of the case, including the charges and the circumstances surrounding the incident, are consistent across various reports.

Sources

1. The Rapper Silentó Gets 30 Years in Prison for Fatal Shooting
2. ‘Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)’ rapper Silentó sentenced to 30 years in cousin's murder
3. Atlanta rapper Silentó sentenced to 30 years in cousin's death
4. Atlanta rapper Silentó sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing his cousin
5. lithonia man pleads guilty in 2021 murder of cousin
6. Atlanta rapper Silentó gets 30 years after pleading guilty to killing his cousin
7. Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Killing His Cousin
8. Silentó goes from viral fame to 30-year manslaughter sentence