Rapper Silentó, born Ricky Lamar Hawk, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to the 2021 killing of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. Known for his 2015 viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” Hawk was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, firearm possession during a crime, and concealing a death. The original murder charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement .([ew.com][1])
### The Crime and Investigation
On January 21, 2021, Rooks was found shot multiple times in the face and leg in the Panthersville area of DeKalb County, Georgia. Evidence at the scene included 10 shell casings and surveillance footage showing a white BMW SUV fleeing the area. GPS data and ballistic analysis confirmed that Hawk’s vehicle and firearm were linked to the crime. He confessed to the shooting 10 days later .([ajc.com][2], [vulture.com][3], [apnews.com][4])
### Mental Health Struggles
Hawk has a documented history of mental health issues, including depression and a suicide attempt in 2020. In 2019, he appeared on “The Doctors” to discuss his struggles, stating that fame had intensified his challenges. His publicist confirmed his mental health issues and urged public support during his trial .([ew.com][1], [people.com][5])
### Legal History
Prior to the murder charge, Hawk had several run-ins with the law. In 2020, he was arrested in Los Angeles for entering a home with a hatchet and later charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
