The killer of a celebrated Los Angeles rapper was sentenced Wednesday after a legal drama that dragged on for three years. Holder Jr., 33, is likely to remain in jail for the rest of his life. He was 33 years old, and was shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in South LA in 2019. He was Grammy-nominated as a rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
He was sentenced to 50 years in prison for his involvement in the murder, as well as 10 years in prison for shooting two other people that day. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke II handed down Holder’s sentence.
Jacke said, according to The Associated Press, “I am very mindful of what was presented regarding Mr. Holder’s mental health.” Jacke also noted that the victims and their families suffered enormous trauma. This sentence, Jacke ruled, balances the two.” Holder was sentenced to 25 years to life for murder, 25 years for firearm sentencing enhancements, and 10 years for assault with firearms.
A Los Angeles County jury also found Holder guilty of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter, since two other men were injured in the gunfire.
As a child, Hussle was a part of the same gang as Holder, and Holder shot Hussle multiple times because he called Holder a “snitch.” He had become a leading advocate against gun violence and a community leader who helped develop his neighborhood and provide opportunities for kids.
In the days leading up to his murder, Hussle had planned to meet with LA Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff and LA Police Chief Michel Moore to discuss ways to stop gang violence. On what would have been his 37th birthday, Hussle was honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last August.
