Archive · 12 Jun 2025
Silento Sentenced to 30 Years for Killing Cousin
Silento, the rapper famous for 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)', received a 30-year prison sentence.
He was found guilty of killing his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, near Decatur, Georgia, in 2021.
Silento, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges like voluntary manslaughter.
Before the crime, he had a successful music career but has since been in jail since his arrest.
His hit song was released in 2015.
Rapper Silento, known for 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),' was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
He pleaded guilty but mentally ill to several charges including voluntary manslaughter.
The charges stemmed from the 2021 killing of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.
The incident took place near Decatur, Georgia, and Silento was arrested in February 2021.
Silento's debut song 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)' rose to fame in 2015, peaking at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100.
- Who
- Richard Lamar Hawk, known as Silento, and his cousin Frederick Rooks III.
- What
- Silento was sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing his cousin.
- When
- The incident occurred in 2021; sentencing happened recently.
- Where
- Near Decatur, Georgia.
- Why
- The reason for the crime isn't stated.
Mental Health
Court of Law
Mental health versus criminal responsibility.
Mental Health
Silento pleaded guilty but mentally ill.
Court of Law
The court sentenced him despite the plea.
- Rapper Name
- Silento (Ricky Lamar Hawk)
- Famous Song
- 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)'
- Victim
- Frederick Rooks III
- Sentence
- 30 years
- Plea
- Guilty but mentally ill
- Charges
- Voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, firearm possession, concealing a death
- Incident Date
- 2021
- Location
- Near Decatur, Georgia
