The man found guilty of murdering rapper Nipsey Hussle was sentenced to at least 60 years in prison.
Last July, Eric R. Holder, Jr. was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing Hussle, whose real name is Ermias Asghedom, outside Hussle’s South Los Angeles clothing store.
Hussle, a Grammy nominee, died at the age of 33.
In the incident, two bystanders were also hit and injured.
On Wednesday, Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke handed down Holder’s 60-year-to-life sentence after hearing from one of Hussle’s friends and reading a letter from Holder’s father.
After a months-long trial, Holder was found guilty of murder and two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for the two bystanders injured in the shooting.
He was ineligible for the death penalty and was widely expected to be sentenced to life in prison.
He did not respond when his sentence was read out while dressed in orange jail garb.
Holder’s attorney told ABC News that the verdict would be appealed.
“Given the high-profile circumstances surrounding the case, it was always going to be difficult,” attorney Aaron Jansen said.
During the murder trial, prosecutors claimed the attack was premeditated, while Holder’s defense team claimed it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Holder’s lawyer stated that he was triggered by a conversation with Hussle about rumors that he was cooperating with the police.
According to the Associated Press, Hussle was shot at least ten times before Holder kicked him in the head and fled the scene, according to Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney John McKinney.
As a teenager, Hussle was a Rollin’ 60s street gang member in South Los Angeles.
He opened the Marathon Clothing store to give back to his community. He had also contacted the Los Angeles Police Department prior to his death to discuss ways to help prevent gang violence in the neighborhood.
In 2020, the rapper received two posthumous Grammy Awards for best rap performance and best rap/song collaboration. In addition, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hussle leaves behind two children. His death has sparked an outpouring of love from fans across the country, who have paid tribute to the rapper on social media.
