The man convicted of killing rapper Nipsey Hussle, Erick R. Holder will spend a minimum of 60 years in jail after he was found guilty of killing the fast-rising star outside his Los Angeles clothing store.
Hussle, a Grammy-nominated artist, died aged 33 in 2019. Since his passing, Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, has been honored and celebrated in different ways, including winning two posthumous awards at the 2020 Grammys and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Holder was found guilty of murder as well as two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for the two bystanders injured in the shooting after a months-long trial.
Wearing orange jail attire, he did not react when his sentence was read out.
Holder’s attorney told ABC News he planned to appeal the verdict.
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“It was always going to be tough given the high-profile circumstances surrounding the case,” the attorney, Aaron Jansen, said.
Prosecutors said during the murder trial that the attack was premeditated, while Holder’s defence team argued it was a heat-of-the-moment decision. Holder’s defence attorney said he was provoked by a conversation he had with Hussle about rumours that he was cooperating with police.
Hussle was shot at least 10 times, after which Holder kicked him in the head and fled the scene, Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney John McKinney told the court, according to the Associated Press.
