Rapper Silentó Begins 30-Year Prison Sentence for Killing Cousin Mugshot Released
Rapper Silentó, best known for his 2015 viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” is now behind bars after officially beginning a 30-year prison sentence.
The 27-year-old artist, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, looked almost unrecognizable in his newly released mugshot, showing a completely shaved head as he entered the Georgia prison system.
Silentó recently appeared in court where he accepted a plea deal, bringing an end to a lengthy legal battle that began after the tragic shooting of his cousin, Frederick Rooks, in January 2021 near Decatur, Georgia.
As part of the agreement, Silentó pleaded “guilty but mentally ill” to multiple charges including voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
In return, the original murder charge was dropped, and the rapper was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with an additional 10 years of probation following his release.
Authorities reported that Rooks was shot multiple times, with fatal injuries to the face and leg. Surveillance footage and ballistic tests led investigators directly to Hawk. He was arrested on February 1, 2021, after admitting to the shooting during a police interview conducted 10 days after the incident.
Silentó’s case also drew attention due to his well-documented struggles with mental health, which were acknowledged in court during sentencing.
Once a teen sensation, Silentó’s fall from fame to a prison sentence has sparked ongoing discussions about mental illness, fame, and the pressures of early stardom.
