Richard Lamar Hawk, better known by his stage name Silentó, has officially been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to the 2021 killing of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. Silentó, who rose to fame with his viral hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," was handed the sentence after accepting a plea deal.
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According to a report by TMZ and confirmed by Fox5 Atlanta, Silentó pleaded guilty to multiple charges including voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing the death of another.
The DeKalb County District Attorney announced the sentencing on Wednesday, June 11.
The tragic incident occurred in January 2021, when officers from DeKalb County responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered Rooks dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
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The shocking murder left the music community in disbelief, as Silentó had only recently emerged as a young talent in the industry.
Surveillance footage later identified Silentó fleeing the crime scene in a white vehicle. Although he was not initially a suspect, evidence began to mount.
Prosecutors revealed that after his arrest, Silentó confessed to the shooting. Ballistic evidence recovered from the scene matched a firearm found in his possession during the arrest.
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The sentencing marks a grim turning point in Silentó’s career and personal life.
Once celebrated for his upbeat dance anthem, he is now facing three decades behind bars for a tragic act that stunned fans and family alike.
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