Atlanta Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years for Fatal Shooting of Cousin

June 12, 2025

Atlanta, GA – Ricky Hawk, widely known by his stage name Silentó and famous for the viral dance track “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty—while declared mentally ill—to the 2021 killing of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in DeKalb County.

A Shocking Turn in a Once-Promising Career

Silentó, 27, burst into fame in 2015 with his debut single, which became a global sensation while he was still a junior at Redan High School. But the artist’s life spiraled as a series of legal issues and untreated mental illness took a dark turn, culminating in a tragic act of violence.

In the early hours of January 21, 2021, DeKalb County police responded to reports of gunfire near Deep Shoals Circle. Officers found 34-year-old Frederick Rooks III with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Investigation and Arrest

Security footage captured a white BMW SUV speeding away from the scene shortly after the gunfire. Family members stated that Silentó was the last person seen with the victim, having picked him up earlier in the evening.

Although initially lacking a suspect, detectives later identified Hawk as the shooter. Ballistics linked shell casings at the scene to a firearm in Hawk’s possession at the time of his arrest. According to prosecutors, he admitted to the shooting during questioning.

Mental Health and Public Response

Following his arrest, Silentó’s publicist Chanel Hudson issued a heartfelt plea: “Ricky has been suffering immensely from mental health illnesses for years. We ask the public to uplift him and his family in prayer and positive energy.”

Hudson called him a “beautiful soul” and reminded fans of the joy he once brought through his music, urging continued support during this difficult chapter of his life.

Prior Legal Issues

Before this incident, Silentó had already faced legal troubles. In 2020, he was arrested for allegedly driving 143 mph on Interstate 85. Later that year, he was charged in Los Angeles for allegedly threatening two people with a hatchet.

These arrests raised concerns about his mental well-being, but no significant intervention followed before the fatal shooting occurred.

Sentencing and What's Ahead

After pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, a DeKalb County Superior Court judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison. Silentó has been held at the DeKalb County Jail since his 2021 arrest.

The sentencing closes a tragic chapter for the family of Frederick Rooks and marks a dramatic downfall for a young artist who once inspired millions worldwide with his music and dance.