In the summer of 2015, a teenage rapper named Silentó, born Ricky Lamar Hawk, took the world by storm with his infectious hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” The song, with its catchy hook and simple dance moves, became a viral sensation, inspiring millions of dance videos and dominating pop culture for months. Silentó’s rise was meteoric, but nearly a decade later, his story has taken a tragic turn. In June 2025, Silentó was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to the 2021 killing of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.
The Crime and Investigation
The incident that ended Silentó’s career and drastically altered his life occurred on January 21, 2021, in DeKalb County, Georgia. Police responded to a call at a suburban home near Decatur, where they found Frederick Rooks III, 34, with gunshot wounds to his leg and face. Rooks was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities discovered 10 shell casings nearby, and surveillance footage from a neighboring property captured a white BMW SUV speeding away shortly after the gunfire.
A family member told police that Silentó had picked up Rooks in a white BMW SUV, and GPS data along with additional security footage confirmed the vehicle’s presence at the crime scene. Silentó was taken into custody on February 1, 2021, after a brief investigation. During an interview with law enforcement, he reportedly confessed to shooting Rooks. Ballistics testing later matched the shell casings to a firearm found in Silentó’s possession at the time of his arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Silentó’s legal journey was marked by complexity and mental health considerations. Initially charged with malice murder, he ultimately entered a plea of “guilty but mentally ill” to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and concealing the death of another. As part of the plea agreement, the more severe murder charge was dismissed.
On June 11, 2025, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney L. Johnson sentenced Silentó to 30 years in prison. The sentence was structured as 20 years for voluntary manslaughter, with an additional five years each for the firearm possession and body concealment charges. Silentó will receive credit for the four years he has already spent in custody since his arrest in 2021.
During the sentencing hearing, Rooks’ siblings addressed the court, expressing their grief and arguing that Silentó deserved a longer sentence. The judge, however, was bound by the terms of the plea agreement, which took into account Silentó’s mental health struggles and the downgraded charges.
Mental Health and Public Statements
Silentó’s case has drawn attention not only for the severity of the crime but also for the role of mental illness. His publicist, Chanel Hudson, released a statement following his arrest, describing Silentó as “a beautiful soul” who had “been suffering immensely from a series of mental health illnesses” in the years leading up to the incident. Hudson urged the public to support Silentó and his family with prayers and positive energy, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and treatment.
Court documents revealed that Silentó was diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder while incarcerated. In a 2019 interview with the medical talk show The Doctors, Silentó spoke candidly about his lifelong battle with depression and the challenges of growing up in a family affected by mental illness and violence. “I’ve been fighting demons my whole life, my whole life,” he said. “Depression doesn’t leave you when you become famous, it just adds more pressure.”
Silentó’s struggles with mental health were not limited to his personal life. In the months before his arrest, he had reportedly attempted suicide and was involved in several high-profile incidents with law enforcement. In August 2020, he was arrested in Santa Ana, California, on a domestic violence charge. The next day, he was charged with assault with a deadly weapon after entering a stranger’s home and threatening two people with a hatchet. Later that year, he was arrested for driving at 143 mph on Interstate 85 in DeKalb County.
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The Rise and Fall of a Viral Star
Silentó’s journey from obscurity to global fame is a story of both triumph and tragedy. At age 17, while still a high school junior in suburban Atlanta, he released “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” The song became a cultural phenomenon, staying on the Billboard Hot 100 for 51 weeks and peaking at number three. The accompanying dance moves inspired a viral craze, making Silentó an overnight sensation.
Despite his early success, Silentó struggled to maintain momentum in the music industry. He released several albums, including “Bars Behind Bars” in March 2021, which he launched while already in prison. His later years were marked by legal troubles, including a 2017 incident in the United Arab Emirates where he was ordered to pay a fine for failing to perform at scheduled concerts.
Public Reaction and Legacy
The news of Silentó’s sentencing has elicited a mix of sympathy and condemnation from the public. Many fans remember him as the energetic teenager who brought joy to millions with his music and dance. Others, particularly those close to the victim, have expressed anger and sorrow over the loss of Frederick Rooks III and the circumstances of his death.
Silentó’s story is a stark reminder of the pressures faced by young stars and the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness. His case has sparked conversations about the need for better mental health support for artists and the importance of intervention before tragedy strikes.
Final Thoughts
Silentó’s legacy is now inextricably linked to both the viral joy of “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” and the tragic events of January 2021. His 30-year prison sentence marks the end of a turbulent chapter in his life, one that began with promise and ended in heartbreak. As the public reflects on his story, the hope remains that greater awareness and support for mental health will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
