HIP-hop star Nipsey Hussle got into a heated argument with his killer 10 minutes before he was shot to death.
Hussle was talking to Eric Holder about "snitching" before the fatal shooting on March 31, 2019, a court heard at trial.
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge released more than 500 pages of grand jury testimony on June 16, 2022, including a series of events that occurred on the day that Hussle died.
Holder was found guilty of first-degree murder in 2022, along with two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and two counts of assault with a firearm for bullets that hit two other victims at the scene who survived.
Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke II sentenced Holder a little over a year later to 60 years for gunning down Nipsey, who died at age 33.
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The sentences include:
- 25 years to life for the murder
- 25 years for a firearm sentencing enhancement
- 10 for assault with a firearm
Judge Jacke said that he took into account both the victims' and assailant's needs before handing down the sentence.
“I am very mindful of what was presented as to Mr. Holder’s mental health,” the judge said.
“I am also mindful of the devastation caused to the victims and their families. I believe this sentence balances the two.”
Before sentencing, Hussle's friend Herman “Cowboy” Douglas, who was present during the shooting, gave a victim impact statement in court.
He said that Hussle's death was more than just a blow to his friends and family, it also had implications for the larger community.
“Nipsey was my friend, he was like a son, he was like a dad,” he said.
“Our community right now, we lost everything, everything we worked for. One man’s mistake, one man’s action, messed up a whole community.”
Hussle's friend went on to say that the sentence didn't matter much to him.
“I don’t care what you give this guy. It ain’t about the time. I just want to know why. The world wants to know why. Why someone would do that?” he told the judge.
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Holder's attorneys, meanwhile, spoke about his mental health, claiming it played into his decision-making when killing Hussle.
I question myself every day asking if I, as a father, did everything to help Eric Jr. stabilize."
Holder's father
They described “a terrible descent into mental illness” in adulthood that resulted in “years of torment and struggle.”
Holder's father even wrote an apology to the victims.
“I know there are not enough words that would fill the void, the pain, the deep sorrow that they feel,” a letter from Eric Holder Sr. read.
“I question myself every day asking if I, as a father, did everything to help Eric Jr. stabilize his mental health.”
FINAL MOMENTS
Holder kicked Hussle in the head as his bullet-riddled body lay on the parking lot floor.
Prosecutors argued that Holder's kick to Hussle's head showed the March 2019 attack was personal.
The grim details were revealed in a Los Angeles courtroom on June 15, 2022, as the trial for Hussle's killer kicked off.
Deputy District Attorney John McKinney told the jury that Holder walked over to Hussle after opening fire and told him, "You're through."
Prosecutors said Hussle replied, "You got me," before Holder took off from the scene.
After the shooting, Hussle was rushed to a hospital with gunshot wounds to his head and torso and he died of his injuries.
Following his arrest, Holder was kept in solitary confinement in jail over fears he would be killed by other inmates.
HOW IT ALL WENT DOWN
Hussle, 33, born Ermias Davidson Asghedom, was gunned down outside his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles.
In court on June 15, Hussle's close friend, Herman Douglas, testified that a conversation between Hussle and his killer took place before the shooting.
"[Hussle] told him friend to friend, ‘I heard some paperwork floating around," Douglas testified.
"He said, 'If you ain't telling, you need to handle it. You just caught a case — we need to know your paperwork!'"
Speaking to a grand jury, Deputy District Attorney John McKinney said Hussle was approached by Holder and the two had a quick conversation.
McKinney said, "Apparently, the conversation had something to do with [Hussle] telling Mr. Holder that word on the street was that Mr. Holder was snitching."
McKinney noted that snitching was highly offensive among gang members.
Douglas said in court that he, along with Hussle and Holder, were all members of a street gang called the South Los Angeles Rollin 60s Crips.
Douglas insisted he was no longer a member of the gang.
He testified that Holder didn't appear upset when Nispey spoke about the alleged "snitching."
However, Douglas said that he heard Holder denounce the rumors as "bulls**t" and claimed people were "hatin' on me."
He recounted in his testimony how Hussle and Holder shook hands after talking.
If you know me, You know March is always tough for me. 31 days of holding my breath."
Lauren London
Following the "snitching talk," Hussle's killer left in a car but then returned to shoot the hop-hop artist.
Douglas said the shooting took place 10 minutes after Hussle and Holder concluded their conversation.
'ENERGY NEVER DIES'
Marking five years since his death, Hussle's heartbroken partner shared a tribute to him this weekend.
"If you know me, you know March is always tough for me," Lauren London wrote in a post to her Instagram on Sunday.
"31 days of holding my breath. This day decided to fall on Easter Sunday this 2024.
"Interesting…. considering your name."
London hashtagged the post "GodWillRise" and expressed her lasting affection for the late rapper.
"Energy never dies….I love you. Eternal," the caption ended.
Friends and fans echoed their adoration and support for London in her comment section on the post.
"Man this broke me down in 2019. I cried for a week as if I personally knew him because of the beautiful way Lauren represented him," shared one person.
"It was a tough March for us all. Lauren we truly shared this pain with you. He is definitely an angel now. We love you."
"Long live NIP the marathon will always continue. We miss you; it’s my birthday, my fav rapper I get [to] share my very special day w you we love you Hussle," added another fan.
