Eric R. Holder Jr., the man convicted of fatally shooting rapper Nipsey Hussle, was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison nearly four years after the tragic incident.
Nipsey Hussle, a respected and influential figure in the Los Angeles community and the world of West Coast hip-hop, was killed outside his clothing store, The Marathon, in March 2019.
The murder sent shockwaves throughout the music industry and beyond, as Hussle was not only known for his music but also for his efforts to uplift his community.
Holder was found guilty of first-degree murder, and his sentencing marks the culmination of a long legal process that followed the killing.
Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was tragically shot and killed on March 31, 2019, outside his clothing store, The Marathon, in South Los Angeles. The police quickly identified the attack as stemming from a personal dispute between Hussle and the shooter, Eric R. Holder Jr. The incident also left two bystanders injured.
Two days after the shooting, Holder, then 29, turned himself in at a mental health clinic, according to his lawyer’s statement during the trial.
Holder was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Despite pleading not guilty, he was held in custody with bail set at $6.5 million.
During the trial of Eric R. Holder Jr., Los Angeles County prosecutors contended that Holder and Nipsey Hussle, who were old acquaintances and members of the same street gang, had a brief encounter in a strip mall parking lot where Hussle accused Holder of cooperating with law enforcement.
Shortly after, Holder returned with two handguns and opened fire, killing Hussle.
Prosecutors argued the murder was premeditated, leading to a first-degree murder charge.
Holder’s defense acknowledged he committed the shooting but claimed it was in the “heat of passion,” suggesting he should be charged with voluntary manslaughter instead.
In the case, Mr. Holder was convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of Nipsey Hussle, with the jury concluding that he premeditated the crime.
Additionally, Holder was found guilty of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for wounding two bystanders.
His defense argued that the charges were excessive and that he did not intend to harm the bystanders, only Hussle.
