Nipsey Hussle, left, and Eric Holder Jr. (AP Photos)
A 33-year-old gang member has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison for the murder of rapper Nipsey Hussle.
Eric Holder Jr. was sentenced in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday. He was convicted of the murder of Ermias Asghedom, also known as Nipsey Hussle, last summer.
“Nipsey Hussle was a beloved member of our community. He showed a commitment to improving schools within his neighborhood and investing in underserved communities,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement after the conviction. “He also used his platform to advocate for gang violence prevention and to ensure we create thriving communities. His legacy will continue to inspire our work.”
Holder was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder, two counts each of attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, prosecutors said.
The jury also found true allegations that Holder personally used a handgun and caused great bodily injury and death.
Holder shot Asghedom on March 31, 2019, outside the rapper’s clothing store in South Los Angeles. Two other men also were wounded in the attack. Holder was arrested two days later in Bellflower. He was indicted in mid-2019.
In a news conference identifying Holder as a suspect on April 2, 2019, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said that afternoon Hussle was with two other men in front of his store. Holder walked up on multiple occasions and conversed with Hussle and the others.
He left and then came back and subsequently came back armed with a handgun and purposely and repeatedly fired, striking and killing Hussle and striking and injuring the other two.
Police identified Holder through video evidence, statements and information from the community, Moore said.
LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said Hussle was a gifted and brilliant artist and entrepreneur who found global success. He advocated for the city’s youth and worked with the city to help save and transform the lives of others and himself.
“Nipsey Hussle was an artist who touched our city and the lives far beyond the ‘City of Angels,’ throughout this country and this world,” he said.
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