23rd February, 2023
Eric Holder Jnr., the killer of the American rapper, Airmiess Joseph Asghedom, known professionally as Nipsey Hussle, has been sentenced to 60 years’ imprisonment.
This comes nearly four years after Hussle was gunned down in 2019.
The 33-year-old was sentenced on Wednesday by Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke II for the 2019 first-degree murder of the hip-hop artist outside his clothing store in South Los Angeles.
Reports say that the Grammy-nominated artiste and his killer grew up in the same neighbourhood under very similar circumstances. They were even acquainted with each other for years prior to the fatal shooting as both grew up aspiring rappers.
Giving the judgement, Judge Jacke said “I am very mindful of what was presented as to Mr Holder’s mental health. I am also mindful of the devastation caused to the victims and their families. I believe this sentence balances the two.”
He then sentenced Holder to 25 years to life in prison for murder, 25 more for a firearm sentencing enhancement, and 10 years for assault with a firearm. He added several other sentencing enhancements and ordered that others run concurrently. He also praised Holder for the nearly four years he has served since the shooting.
During the murder trial, prosecutors argued that the attack was premeditated, citing a prior dispute between Holder and Hussle.
According to the Associated Press, Deputy District Attorney John McKinney stated that there was “no doubt” Holder intended to kill Hussle and that he shot the rapper at least ten times and kicked him in the head before fleeing the scene.