Silentó, the Atlanta rapper famed for his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” recently pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges including voluntary manslaughter, resulting in a 30-year prison sentence. This plea follows the tragic shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in January 2021, when police discovered Rooks suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside a residence near Decatur.
In addition to manslaughter, Silentó, whose birth name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing a death, with a murder charge dropped as part of a plea agreement. Evidence against him included ballistics linking the casings found at the scene to a weapon he had when arrested and CCTV footage capturing a vehicle consistent with one belonging to Silentó leaving the area post-shooting.
During the sentencing, Rooks’ family members expressed that they believed Silentó’s sentence should have been longer. The situation reflects not only a tragic family incident but has also reopened discussions regarding mental health issues within the music industry. Silentó himself has been candid about his struggles with mental health, stating in a previous interview that fame often exacerbated his battles with depression rather than alleviating them.
Historically, Silentó’s difficulties highlight a broader trend within the music industry where artists face immense pressures that can lead to severe mental health challenges. Comments from his publicist indicated he had been suffering significantly, previously attempting suicide in 2020 and experiencing additional legal troubles, including an arrest related to domestic violence. These incidents underline the urgent need for mental health support, especially in high-pressure environments where public scrutiny is constant.
As Silentó’s story unfolds, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for better support systems for artists grappling with mental health issues and the tragic consequences that can arise from untreated trauma. There remains hope that awareness and dialogue around mental health will foster a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals in the entertainment industry.
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