Ricky Lamar Hawk, better known as Silentó, has recently been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin in 2021.

The singer is most well-known for his 2015 song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)", which created a massive dance craze on social media.

On January 21st, 2021, the singer allegedly shot and killed his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. He later admitted to the murder during questioning with investigators.

After being indicted for murder by the DeKalb County, Georgia District Attorney, he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, concealing the death of another, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He also claimed to have been mentally ill at the time of the murder.

However, no motive was officially determined, and the details of the incident are unclear.

It is said that Rooks was picked up by Hawk in his car, a white BMW SUV, which was spotted by security cameras soon after. Officers responded to an incident at around 3:30 am and found the car, as well as Rooks, who suffered from multiple gunshot wounds.

Ten bullet cases were found at the scene, which ballistic testing then matched to a gun owned by Hawk.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson delivered the 30-year prison sentence today, Wednesday, June 11, 2025.