Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Voluntary Manslaughter

The Investigation

The tragic incident occurred in the early morning hours of January 21, 2021. DeKalb County Police responded to a report of a shooting at a residence off Deep Shoals Circle and Corners Crossing. Upon arrival, authorities discovered 34-year-old Frederick Rooks III suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots, and surveillance footage from a nearby home captured a white BMW SUV fleeing the area shortly after the shots were fired. A family member of the victim later informed police that Rooks was last seen with Silentó, who had picked him up in a white SUV from a friend's home.

Investigators initially lacked a suspect but later identified Hawk as the alleged gunman. Upon his arrest, prosecutors stated that Silentó admitted to shooting Rooks. Furthermore, bullet casings recovered from the scene reportedly matched a firearm found on the rapper at the time of his apprehension.

Mental Health Concerns and Public Appeal

Following Silentó's arrest, his PR manager, Chanel Hudson, issued a public statement addressing his mental health. "Please send my client Silentó some positive vibrations," the statement read. "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."

A Look Back at Silentó's Career and Past Incidents

Silentó rose to global fame in 2015 at just 17 years old with his viral hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)." The song became a social media phenomenon, charting worldwide and reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. He went on to be featured on several tracks before releasing his first full-length album, "Fresh Outta High School," in 2019.

However, prior to the 2021 shooting, Hawk had faced other legal troubles. In 2020, he was arrested in DeKalb County for allegedly driving 143 mph on Interstate 85. The same year, he was also charged in Los Angeles with attempting to assault two individuals with a hatchet in their home.

The Path Forward

Silentó had remained in custody at the DeKalb County Jail since his arrest. With his recent plea and sentencing, the legal proceedings in this case have concluded.