Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years for Cousin's Death

Rapper Silentó, known for his 2015 hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. Silentó, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, firearm possession during a crime, and concealing a death; a murder charge was dropped under a plea deal. Investigators linked him to the crime with surveillance footage, GPS data, and ballistics evidence, and Hawk confessed during questioning. The defense cited his long history of mental health struggles, including depression and a suicide attempt prior to the killing, while the victim's family said the sentence was too lenient. Hawk's prior arrests and public mental health struggles have received attention. The case highlights issues at the intersection of celebrity, mental health, and the criminal justice system.