The man convicted of gunning downLos Angeles rapper NipseyHussle more than three years ago was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison in a Los Angeles courtroom.
Eric R. Holder, Jr. was found guilty of first-degree murder last July for killing Hussle – whose real name is ErmiasAsghedom – outside Hussle’s South Los Angeles clothing store in 2019.
Hussle, a Grammy-nominated artist, died aged 33.
Two bystanders were also hit and injured in the incident.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke handed down the sentence Wednesday after having heard from one of Hussle’s friends and listening to a letter from Holder’s father.
Holder, dressed in orange jail attire, stared straight ahead throughout the proceedings and did not react when the sentence was read.
His sentencing hearing had been postponed several times, most recently on Nov. 3.
It had been delayed in part so defense attorney Aaron Jansen could argue to reduce Holder’s conviction to manslaughter or second-degree murder, which the judge rejected in December.
He was not eligible for the death penalty and was widely expected to receive a life sentence.
Holder’s attorney said he planned to appeal the verdict.
“It was always going to be tough given the high-profile circumstances surrounding the case,”
the attorney, Aaron Jansen, said
Hussle, who was born ErmiasAsghedom, had grown up with Holder, and they were members of the same gang, the Rollin’ 60s.
Prosecutors argued that Holder was upset over accusations that he was a snitch and that it was premeditated when he approached Hussle outside his shop, The Marathon, and opened fire.
Hussle was struck at least 10 times. Afterward, Holder kicked him in the head and fled, Deputy District Attorney John McKinney told jurors.
Images shared at trial showed him running from the scene with a semi-automatic pistol.
Hussle, whose debut studio album earned him a Grammy nomination months before his death, was also a father of two, a celebrated community leader and an advocate who spoke out against gun violence.
