Silento: 30 Years in Prison for Cousin’s Murder
- Atlanta rapper Silento, known for the hit song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill in connection...
- Born Ricky hawk, Silento's original charge of malice murder was dropped as part of the agreement.
- Though, the rapper faced legal troubles in 2020, including arrests for assault and speeding.
Breaking news: Rapper Silento, famous for “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” receives a 30-year prison sentence. The DeKalb County court handed down the sentence following his guilty plea of manslaughter in the 2021 death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks. This verdict marks a dramatic turn for the artist, who also faced charges including aggravated assault and firearm possession. Born Ricky Hawk, silento’s initial murder charge was dropped. This case and prior legal troubles in 2020 highlight the downward spiral for the star. News reporting from News Directory 3 confirms he was deemed mentally unfit earlier this year. What drove this tragic scenario? Discover what’s next …
rapper Silento Sentenced to 30 Years for Manslaughter
Updated June 15, 2025
Atlanta rapper Silento, known for the hit song “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill in connection to the 2021 death of his cousin, frederick Rooks. The DeKalb County, Ga., court accepted his plea of guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possessing a firearm during a felony, and concealing a death.
Born Ricky hawk, Silento’s original charge of malice murder was dropped as part of the agreement. He will serve 20 years for manslaughter and five years each for aggravated assault and firearm possession. He received credit for time served since his February 2021 arrest.
Silento achieved stardom in 2015. Though, the rapper faced legal troubles in 2020, including arrests for assault and speeding.
In February 2021, weeks after his 23rd birthday, Silento was arrested and charged in connection with the January shooting death of Rooks, age 34. At the time, his publicist cited mental health issues, claiming Silento was experiencing a bipolar episode. Earlier this year,he was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial.