Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years for Murder of His Cousin

Atlanta rapper Silentó (real name Ricky Lamar “Ricky” Hawk), best known for the viral 2015 hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” was sentenced on June 11, 2025 to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, firearm possession during a crime, and concealing the death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.

The sentencing took place in DeKalb County Superior Court.

The Tragic Incident

In the early morning of January 21, 2021, police responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at a home off Deep Shoals Circle in Panthersville, Georgia. Upon arrival, they found 34-year-old Frederick Rooks III shot multiple times; he died at the scene. Investigators located a white BMW SUV, captured on nearby security footage, fleeing the area.

Frederick was last seen with Silentó minutes before the shooting. A ballistic match between a gun recovered from Hawk and casings at the scene confirmed the connection. Hawk later confessed to the shooting.

Plea Deal & Mental Health Considerations

Charged originally with murder, Rick risks hundreds of years in prison. However, he entered a guilty but mentally ill plea following a plea deal, leading to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter. The judge accepted the agreement, resulting in a 30-year sentence instead of life imprisonment. His legal team emphasized his ongoing struggle with severe mental health issues.

A Career Interrupted & Mental Health Struggles

Silentó became a national sensation as a teenager with “Whip/Nae Nae.” In subsequent years, he publicly spoke about depression, suicidal thoughts, and childhood trauma, most notably during a 2019 appearance on The Doctors. His publicist confirmed he attempted suicide ahead of his cousin’s death. Police records show arrests in 2020 for domestic violence, assault with a hatchet in Los Angeles, and high-speed reckless driving in Georgia.

Family Reaction & Sentence Controversy

Family members of the victim told the court they felt the sentence was too lenient, hoping for a harsher penalty—comments echoed in Entertainment Weekly and AP reports. Despite his confession and mental health plea, the 30-year term has sparked public debate.

What Lies Ahead

Silentó will serve a 30-year prison term, with credit for time already served since his arrest in February 2021. His case reignites the national conversation around mental health and accountability, especially among public figures facing violent charges. The plea deal highlights how such agreements may impact sentencing outcomes in high-profile cases.

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