Eric R. Holder, Jr., who was convicted of killing rapper Nipsey Hussle, was sentenced to a minimum of 60 years in prison.
Hussle, whose real name is Ermias Asghedom, was shot and killed outside his clothing store in South Los Angeles in 2019. Two bystanders were also injured in the incident. Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke delivered the sentence after hearing from one of Hussle’s friends and reading a letter from Holder’s father.
Holder was convicted of first-degree murder, as well as two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for the bystanders who were injured in the shooting, after a lengthy trial. Despite being ineligible for the death penalty, he was widely expected to receive a life sentence. Holder, who wore orange jail attire, did not react when the sentence was read out. His attorney said he plans to appeal the verdict. During the trial, prosecutors argued that the attack was premeditated, while the defense claimed it was a heat-of-the-moment decision.
Holder’s defense attorney said he was provoked by a conversation with Hussle about rumors that he was cooperating with the police. According to Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney John McKinney, Holder kicked Hussle in the head and fled the scene after shooting him at least 10 times. Hussle, a Grammy-nominated artist, was only 33 years old when he died. He grew up in South Los Angeles and was a member of the Rollin’ 60s street gang as a teenager.
In an effort to invest in his community, the late rapper opened the Marathon Clothing store. He also took the initiative to speak with the Los Angeles Police Department about ways to reduce gang violence in the neighborhood before his untimely death.
In 2020, Hussle was honored with two posthumous Grammy awards for best rap performance and best rap/song collaboration. Additionally, he was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The rapper is survived by his two children, and his tragic murder has prompted an outpouring of support from fans across the nation, who have shared tributes in his memory.
BREAKING: A Los Angeles judge sentenced the man convicted of gunning down rapper Nipsey Hussle to 60 years to life in prison.
Eric R. Holder Jr. was found guilty of the 2019 first-degree murder of the 33-year-old Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist. https://t.co/lrEjz1QQVi
— The Associated Press (@AP) February 22, 2023
