Rapper Silentó Jail Sentence Explained

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Wondering what’s causing Silentó‘s name to be in the news again? The musician famous for his 2015 hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” was sentenced to 30 years in prison after admitting to killing his cousin in 2021. His mental health issues and meteoric rise to fame have sparked renewed discussions in the public sphere.

Here’s what we know about Silentó’s jail sentence and the case behind it.

Why is Silentó sentenced to 30 years in jail?

As a devoted admirer, I find myself compelled to share some sobering news: In January 2021, in DeKalb County, Georgia, I, Silentó, was sentenced to 34 years behind bars following my guilty plea for the tragic death of my cousin, Frederick Rooks. Known for my 2015 viral sensation “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” I was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in this case.

The plea agreement spared him from facing a possible life imprisonment. As per news outlets, police discovered Rooks with numerous gunshot injuries in a Decatur, Georgia district around midnight on January 21, 2021. Medical responders declared his death at the scene, which was approximately seven miles northeast of Atlanta (as reported by The New York Times).

Onlookers reported gunfire and security camera video showed a swift departure of a white BMW SUV following the event. Authorities claimed they connected Silentó to the crime after a relative shared information with police. They added that Rooks was last spotted entering a vehicle fitting the description, which was also associated with Silentó.

As a devoted fan, I’m sharing the latest update: It appears that “No Sense” rapper himself confessed to shooting Rooks while under police supervision. Regarding sentencing, Silentó’s legal representative has remained tight-lipped on the matter. However, his publicist has previously mentioned that the artist has struggled with a sequence of mental health issues.

After his arrest, his representative Chanel Hudson spoke about the situation on Instagram, saying, “For quite some time now, Ricky has been struggling deeply with several mental health issues. As we work towards his recovery through treatment, we kindly request the public to show their support and positivity for him at this time.

Since becoming famous with his hit song “Watch Me”, Silentó has been open about his battles with mental health. In an interview on The Doctors in 2019, he shared, “Depression doesn’t just disappear when you become famous.” He further explained, “It brings more pressure and I’m not sure if I can find true happiness or if these inner struggles will ever end.

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2025-06-12 12:12