Tragic Update: ‘Whip/Nae Nae’ Star Pleads Guilty but Mentally Ill, Sentenced to 30 Years for Cousin’s Death

Ricky Lamar Hawk, better known as Silentó, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. In June 2023, Silentó accepted a deal that reduced his original murder charge to voluntary manslaughter, alongside other charges like aggravated assault and firearm possession. He has been behind bars since February 2021.

The case began with a tragic event on January 21, 2021, when DeKalb County police found Rooks with multiple gunshot wounds in Georgia. He was with Hawk earlier, which led authorities to investigate further. The case highlights a disturbing trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), homicide rates have been rising, especially among young adults. In fact, the CDC reported that in 2021, the homicide rate among this age group increased by nearly 30% compared to 2020. It shows how violence can affect anyone, even those in the spotlight.

Hawk’s history raised concerns about his behavior. He had faced charges for threatening two people with a hatchet in Southern California just before his cousin’s death. Experts in criminal justice suggest that such actions often signal deeper issues, like mental health problems or a history of violence, which may have played a role in this tragedy.

Silentó first gained fame in 2015 with his hit song, “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” which became a viral sensation and spent nearly a year on the Billboard charts. His rise was meteoric, and in interviews, he expressed the joy of fame. However, this new chapter of his life tells a starkly different story of loss and consequence.

User reactions on social media have varied, with many expressing shock at how far Silentó has fallen from his initial success. Memes and discussions about the stark contrast between his dance fame and current situation have flooded platforms like Twitter and TikTok.

As we reflect on Silentó’s journey, it raises important questions about celebrity culture, mental health, and the impact of violence. While he once inspired millions with his dance moves, his story now serves as a cautionary tale.

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