Atlanta rapper Silentó, who skyrocketed to fame in 2015 with the viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years behind bars in connection to the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.
The DeKalb County District Attorney announced on Wednesday that Silentó, born Ricky Lamar Hawk, pleaded guilty to several serious charges, including:
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Aggravated assault
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
- Concealing the death of another
The Crime
Back in January 2021, Rooks was found with multiple gunshot wounds on a DeKalb County street. Officers discovered bullet casings at the scene, and surveillance footage later showed Silentó fleeing the area in a white BMW.
Further investigation led to the discovery of a gun in Silentó’s possession, and ballistics testing confirmed it was the weapon used in the slaying.
The Confession & Mental Health Struggles
Ten days after the murder, Silentó confessed to the killing — but cited longstanding mental health issues as a major factor in his actions. Reports say he had been struggling since childhood and even attempted suicide in 2020.
Despite these revelations, the judge handed down a 30-year sentence, calling the punishment appropriate for the severity of the crime.
From Viral Star to Tragedy
Silentó rose to international fame as a teenager with his 2015 debut single, which became a cultural phenomenon — but his career and personal life have since spiraled due to legal issues and mental health battles.
Now, at 27 years old, the former star will spend much of his life behind bars.
