The man who shot and killed Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle, Eric Holder Jr., has been convicted of first-degree murder. Holder, 32, was also found guilty of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter after two bystanders were hit by gunfire. Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was fatally shot outside of his Los Angeles clothing store in March 2019 at the age of 33.
On Wednesday, July 6, a jury of nine women and three men unanimously decided that Holder acted with premeditation when he attacked Hussle. Deputy District Attorney John McKinney stated that Holder shot Hussle at least 10 times and kicked him in the head before fleeing the scene. McKinney also mentioned a dispute between the two, where Hussle had sought to clear up rumors about Holder. According to reports, there had been a confrontation prior to the attack, and Hussle, along with two friends, had a conversation with Holder. It was noted that Hussle did not have any security with him during the visit to his store.
Despite the challenges of witnesses being reluctant to testify due to fear of being labeled as a snitch, the prosecution presented evidence to support their case. Holder’s attorney, Aaron Jansen, defended his client by stating that the murder was not premeditated and attributed the attack to “heated passion.” He also asserted that Holder did not intend to shoot the bystanders.
In addition to his legal troubles, Holder was reportedly attacked by multiple individuals while in jail, resulting in injuries that required medical attention.