Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years for Voluntary Manslaughter of Cousin

Silentó, famed for 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)', has been sentenced to 30 years for voluntary manslaughter in the tragic death of his cousin.

Silentó’s Sentencing: A Tragic Turn

Silentó, the rapper who skyrocketed to fame with his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has received a 30-year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter. The sentence stems from the shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks, in January 2021.

Silentó rose to fame with his breakout single "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)"

Richard Lamar Hawk, known professionally as Silentó, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter but entered a “guilty but mentally ill” plea. Originally, he faced charges for malice murder, but those were reduced as part of a plea deal. Alongside voluntary manslaughter, Hawk also admitted guilt to aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and concealing the death of another.

Details Surrounding the Case

The body of Frederick Rooks was discovered abandoned on a road near a home in Panthersville, Georgia, close to Atlanta, on January 21, 2021. Silentó was arrested in February by the DeKalb County Police Department in connection with the shooting.

Silentó’s Viral Rise and Subsequent Struggles

Silentó’s 2015 hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” was a social media sensation, particularly popularized on the video-sharing app Vine. The track ignited two dance crazes: the ‘whip’ and the ‘nae nae’. It also referenced other well-known dance moves like the “Crank That” and “Stanky Legg.”

The song soared to Number Three on the Billboard Hot 100 and has amassed an incredible 1.9 billion views on YouTube to date.

Despite this massive success, Silentó struggled to replicate the phenomenon with his later works. He released four solo mixtapes over several years:

• Fresh Outta High School (2018)
• Fresh Outta High School 2 (2018)
• Skyrolyrics (2020)
• Bars Behind Bars (2021)

Mental Health Battles and Legal Troubles

In recent years, Silentó has reportedly battled mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Reports reveal that he attempted suicide in 2020, shedding light on the personal struggles behind the headlines.

His legal record also includes multiple arrests prior to the 2021 charges, notably several domestic violence incidents, highlighting a turbulent period before the fatal shooting of his cousin.

“Silentó’s story is a sobering reminder of how fame and personal struggles can collide with tragic consequences.”

What Now for Silentó?

This sentencing marks a harsh new chapter for the rapper who once dominated dance floors and social media feeds. While he’s behind bars for three decades, the legacy of his viral hit and the tragedy surrounding his conviction will continue to spark conversations about mental health, fame, and accountability.

FAQs

• How long is Silentó’s prison sentence?
  Silentó has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
• What charges did Silentó plead guilty to?
  He pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and concealing a death.
• Who was the victim in this case?
  The victim was Frederick Rooks, Silentó’s cousin.
• What was Silentó’s biggest hit?
  His viral track “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” released in 2015.
• Has Silentó released music since his hit?
  Yes, he released four solo mixtapes between 2018 and 2021.

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