Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years After Guilty Plea in Cousin's Killing
It’s been a tragic fall from grace for Atlanta rapper Silentó—real name Ricky Lamar Hawk—who once dominated the internet with his 2015 viral dance anthem, Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) . Now, in a somber twist that no one saw coming, he’s been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to the killing of his cousin, Frederick Rooks.
This wasn’t just a high-profile case; it was a heartbreaking story of fame, mental illness, and a life derailed. Silentó pleaded guilty to several charges, including voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and concealing a death. A murder charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement, but the damage—both emotional and reputational—was irreversible. The sentence comes with credit for time already served since his arrest in February 2021.
The crime happened in the early morning hours of January 21, 2021, in DeKalb County, Georgia. Rooks was found shot multiple times—once in the face and once in the leg—outside a home in the Panthersville area. Investigators used surveillance footage, witness testimony, and ballistics to connect Silentó to the shooting. Not long after, he confessed.
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What makes this case even more tragic is the backstory. Silentó’s mental health had been deteriorating for years. Born with substances in his system due to prenatal drug exposure, he grew up witnessing violence and instability. In interviews, he spoke openly about fighting depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts—struggles that worsened under the pressures of fame. In 2019, he appeared on the TV show The Doctors to discuss his mental health journey, and his publicist later confirmed that he had attempted suicide in 2020, right before a string of arrests, including one for driving 143 mph on the highway and another for assault with a deadly weapon.
Despite the support of those who danced along with him during his meteoric rise, the years following Watch Me were filled with instability. Silentó was still performing globally, but his personal life was spiraling. His publicist, Chanel Hudson, urged the public to remember his humanity and mental illness, asking for prayers and empathy rather than judgment.
As the sentencing wrapped up, emotions ran high in the courtroom. Members of Rooks’ family expressed disappointment, believing the sentence should have been even harsher. They hoped, above all, that Silentó would come to terms with what he had done and truly understand the weight of it.
This is more than just a headline about a rapper behind bars—it’s a cautionary tale about what can happen when mental health issues go untreated, especially under the crushing glare of the spotlight. For many, Silentó was the face of joy and dance. Now, he’s a sobering reminder that behind every viral moment, there might be a story we never see.
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