Murder Trial of Rapper Nipsey Hussle Finally Underway

The trial of Eric R. Holder (32), who is responsible for the death of rapper Nipsey Hussle, has finally begun last Wednesday after three years of postponing. As the case is discussed and the evidence displayed, the jury will determine the degree of Holder’s premeditation and mental state at the time of the murder, possibly sentencing him in the end to life in prison.

On March 31, 2019, Hussle, really named Ermias Asghedom (34) was shot along with two other people by Holder outside his clothing store, The Marathon. According to NBC News, he sustained 10 shots from the gun, along with being kicked in the head by Holder before he was driven away in a car.

Holder and Hussle had similar backgrounds, both growing up in the South LA area and both taking part in gang activity under the Rollin’ 60s. In present-day, however, they lead very different lives, with Holder allegedly still being involved with gangs and Hussle being an anti-violence advocate working on rebuilding the neighborhood. A fight began between the two of them before the shooting when Hussle spoke to Holder about a rumor that he was a snitch, a conversation that got Holder extremely upset.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office is looking to charge Holder with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder, along with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. According to ABC News, Holder’s attorney does not deny his client’s responsibility in Hussle’s death, but is pushing that the crime was not premeditated and such should be changed to a voluntary manslaughter charge.