From viral sensation to convicted murderer: Silento's 30-year prison sentence
Image: Instagram
American rapper Silento has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin. The 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)' hitmaker was sentenced on Wednesday, June 11, after he pleaded guilty to charges related to his cousin's death.
The 27-year-old Atlanta-born artist, whose real name is Richard Lamar Hawk, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter and other charges in connection with the fatal shooting of his 34-year-old cousin.
The plea deal also included guilty pleas to aggravated assault, firearm possession during a crime, and concealing a death, while a murder charge was dismissed due to the plea agreement.
In January 2021, Hawk was arrested in connection with the shooting of his 34-year-old cousin, Frederick Rooks III, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Atlanta, Georgia, at a DeKalb County location. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
According to the district attorney's office, a number of neighbours nearby told the police that they heard the gunshots go off, and doorbell camera footage at a nearby house captured a white BMW SUV speeding away from the scene shortly after the shots were fired.
It is reported that one of Rooks' family members claimed the victim was last seen with Hawk, who had picked him up from a friend's home in a white SUV.
According to prosecutors, after the rapper's arrest, he admitted to shooting his cousin, Rooks. Additionally, bullet casings found at the scene were reportedly matched to a gun discovered on the rapper at the time of his arrest.
Hawk had a prior history of run-ins with the law. In 2020, he was arrested in DeKalb County for speeding. Additionally, he faced charges in a separate incident in Los Angeles for attempting to strike two people with an axe in their home.
The 27-year-old rapper, singer, and songwriter gained popularity in 2015 with his viral debut single 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)'.
He was 17 when he released the catchy song that was shortly followed by a colourful music video with the famous 'Nae Nae' dance moves that shot the song to hit status, topping the Billboard Hot 100 US charts at number 3 and earning him a record deal.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Education MEC calls for swift justice as suspect appears for rape of northern KZN pupils
The suspect charged with the rape of pupils at a northern KwaZulu-Natal high school appeared in court recently in connection with the crimes. Image: IOL The 28-year-old man accused of raping learners at a northern KwaZulu-Natal court was back before the Nkandla Magistrate's Court on Wednesday to face charges in connection with the incidents. KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka condemned the crimes and called for swift action by the justice system. 'We stand united in condemning the horrific crime of rape and calling for the full weight of the law to be applied against the perpetrator. Rape is not only an attack on an individual's body, but also a violation of their dignity, humanity, and fundamental rights. 'Justice must be served, and in cases of sexual violence, society has a moral and legal duty to act firmly and without compromise. We therefore call on the justice system to act swiftly in ensuring that this rapist is convicted and held accountable for his heinous crimes,' MEC Hlomuka said in a statement. The suspect was arrested on May 20 following a coordinated effort by police, community members, and stakeholders, including the Bhekisizwel Taxi Association. At the time, he was accused of raping learners residing in cottages at the high school, sparking outrage across the province. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The suspect briefly escaped police custody while being transported to a correctional facility but was rearrested. 'When the police were busy assisting him, the suspect escaped and ran into the darkness. A dedicated team was established to track him down,' said KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda. A province-wide manhunt ended successfully when police tracked him to a hostel in Umbilo on May 22. He was rearrested and later appeared in Pinetown Magistrate's Court on charges of escaping lawful custody. Following his rearrest, the suspect was set to be transferred back to Ekhombe to face multiple rape charges. The Department of Education said it had deployed psychologists to support the affected learners and their families and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring schools remain safe spaces. 'This case is a reminder that rape has no place in our society. The conviction of this perpetrator will not only bring justice but will also serve as a powerful message that those who commit such crimes will face the consequences of their actions,' MEC Hlomuka added. THE MERCURY
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Nduduzo Makhathini's 'Tiny Desk Concert': a soulful journey through Black aesthetics
South African jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini captivates audiences on NPR's iconic 'Tiny Desk Concert' stage. Image: Instagram South African jazz musician Nduduzo Makhathini recently performed on NPR's 'Tiny Desk Concert' series. Known for its intimate set-up in Washington, DC, the series showcases live music in a casual atmosphere where artists can connect with audiences. Makhathini took to the tiny stage accompanied by bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere and drummer Kabelo Mokhatla. The trio delivered stripped-down versions of Makhathini's profound ancestral invocations and meditative pieces in a captivating 20-minute set titled "Ntu Sonicities Devotion Suite in Five Movements". Each piece focused on concepts such as meditation, identity and victory. The performance featured five distinct segments: "Kuzodlula", which revolves around the idea of stillness, "Omnyama", which explores the depth of Blackness through the lens of African deities, "Equidistant Passage", a reflection on Black aesthetics, "Izinkonjana", a song highlighting grace and transcendence and "Imvunge", a celebration of victory. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During the concert, Makhathini shared insights into his selection of songs. "It is truly a blessing for us to share this music and the stories that are intrinsic to the music, to the sound and of course this enunciates, as part of a bigger project, of what we think of as Black aesthetics and the peculiarities of such a subject, in a sense that Black aesthetics can escape the idea of Black biography, and so the sounds that we play are everything that we are, we were before and to become in the future," he said. Central to his performance were three key themes: rituals, ongoing rehearsals and material for study. Makhathini described rituals as a way to explore what occurs in moments of transition, highlighting transcendence over a history filled with hardship. "One is ritual, and the idea of ritual really allows us to think about what happens in between this idea of liminality. It allows us to think about transcendences, as this thing that lifts from all of this catastrophic history, so what really lives when all of this has happened." "The other subject I've been working with is what I call an 'ongoing rehearsal', and this really goes against the idea of a rehearsal as a practice to seek perfection, but a rehearsal as recurring moments of knowing that it is impossible, but doing it anyway. So rehearsal as a space for emptying as apposed to that of acquiring." Lastly, he spoke about "material for study," which allows for reflection on knowledge. "It produces ways for us to reflect and think about study really is and study in this context, unlike the conventional way, where we think of study as a base where we are acquiring knowledge, but this is a space where we are rehearsing knowledge and are willing to give it up anytime." "So it's a modality of surrender study as a mode for emptying, so these are some of the things I intrinsic in the sound and the rest of it is really invocations of our ancestral lines and the things that live in us." So far, the episode has racked up close to 80,000 views in just two days. Watch Makhathini's performance below:
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Minister Kubayi praises Court Online System for enhancing access to justice
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says no files and or court documents have been lost since the Court Online System was rolled out in September 2024. Image: Justice Department Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has heaped praise on the Court Online System aimed to improve access to justice and streamlining the litigation process for litigants. The system has been introduced in the superior courts to ensure electronic filing to initiate cases electronically and to increase efficiency and reducing paperwork. Launched in September 2024, the Court Online System has been operational in 11 courts for all civil matters in the Gauteng Division, the Western Cape Division, the Labour Court and the Land Court. The department has assured that further rollout of the system to an additional 11 courts is on track and for completion by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year, with plans to extend it to all divisions of the high court. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Kubayi explained that the Court Online System has two portals with one being meant for e-filing by litigants to initiate cases and the other for the evidence management system used during hearings. She also said the system has resulted in the efficient monitoring and control of the litigation processes involving all cases initiated on the system. 'It can be stated that no files and or court documents have since been lost. Furthermore, it can also be stated that overall, the system has enhanced efficiency in operations as the litigation processes are expedited,' Kubayi said. She was responding to parliamentary questions posed by IFP MP Albert Mncwango when he asked about the evaluations that have been conducted to assess its impact on expediting case finalisation and the lessons that have been drawn from its implementation in Gauteng. According to Kubayi, the Court Online System was not geared towards minimising or reducing case backlogs. 'That is the function of the number and availability of judges as well as the conduct of litigants in expediting their matters.' She stated that the Court Online utilisation figures in the Gauteng Division indicated that the total number of firms registered were 6,424 between April 2024 and March 31 this year. During the same period the total number of portal end-users registered comprised 10,150. 'These users may be also litigants in matters in other divisions of the high court and specialist courts that have gone live in using the system,' Kubayi said. In a recent parliamentary reply furnished to DA MP Damien Klopper, the minister said there were no significant challenges currently experienced with electronic filing, apart from the requirement that users must be registered before accessing the Court Online System. Kubayi also said the system was only available to legal practitioners who are in good standing with the Legal Practice Council (LPC). 'Newly admitted legal practitioners and those whose marital status has changed occasionally face difficulties during registration, as the system may fail to verify and validate their LPC registration status. This is due to the Court Online system not yet being fully integrated with the LPC's database. In such cases, manual verification against the LPC database is conducted.' Kubayi added the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) was currently engaging with the LPC to achieve full integration, which will enable real-time verification of legal practitioners' LPC status. The minister also said no challenges were reported with automated scheduling of hearings and trials, case tracking for monitoring case progress, storage and access to case documents, and notifications to parties involved. 'However, it is important to note that, due to security concerns and high storage costs, the system currently supports only the uploading of PDF documents. Alternative solutions are being explored to accommodate the uploading of audio and video recordings.' Kubayi noted that the roll out and implementation of the Court Online system has provided valuable lessons for the successful implementation of the system nationally. 'A stable network infrastructure is required, and thus the OCJ has rolled out an infrastructure refresh project that covers 100% WIFI coverage and network bandwidth upgrades,' she said about some of the lessons learnt.
