Silentó: 30-Year Sentence in Fatal Shooting Case
Richard “Silentó” Hawk, the “watch Me (Whip/nae Nae)” rapper, faces 30 years in prison, a sentence stemming from the fatal shooting of his cousin, Frederick Rooks. Police apprehended Hawk in 2021, after Rooks was found with fatal gunshot wounds, making the primary_keyword, “Hawk,” central to the inquiry. Evidence, including ballistics and Hawk’s admission, solidified the case. The incident also highlighted the secondary_keyword “mental health” challenges faced by the artist, as his PR team pointed out. News Directory 3 reports on Silentó’s case, considering the need for “public support” during his rehabilitation. What details emerge regarding Hawk’s incarceration and mental health treatment? Discover what’s next …
‘Watch me’ Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years in cousin’s Shooting Death
Updated June 15, 2025
Richard “Silentó” Hawk, the rapper who shot to fame with his 2015 hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks. The DeKalb County Police Department arrested hawk, 27, on Feb. 1, 2021, following the Jan. 21, 2021, incident.
Rooks, 34, was discovered in a Georgia suburb with multiple gunshot wounds to his face and leg. The primary_keyword in the case quickly became Hawk after a relative told police the two men where last seen together in Hawk’s white BMW SUV. Security footage showed a similar vehicle fleeing the scene after gunshots were heard.
Initially, investigators lacked a suspect, but Hawk was later identified as the gunman. After being taken into custody, Silentó admitted to shooting Rooks. Ballistics evidence linked bullet casings from the scene to a gun found on the rapper at the time of his arrest, further solidifying the case against him in this tragic case of violence and mental health challenges.
The secondary_keyword_1, mental health, became a talking point after Silentó’s arrest. His PR manager, Chanel Hudson, issued a statement emphasizing the rapper’s struggles.
“Please send my client Silentó some positive vibrations. Over the past several years, ricky has been suffering immensely from a series of mental health illnesses. We will continue in his efforts of treatment, but we ask in the meantime the public uplift him and his family in immediate prayer and positive energy!!”
Hudson added that she hoped fans woudl continue to support him during this difficult time, highlighting the secondary_keyword_2, public support, needed for his recovery.
What’s next
Hawk will begin serving his 30-year sentence.Further details regarding his mental health treatment during his incarceration remain undisclosed.