Last July, Eric R. Holder Jr. was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Hussle, whose real name is Ermias Asghedom, outside Hussle’s South Los Angeles apparel store in 2019.
Nipsey Hussle, a Grammy nominee, passed away at the age of 33.
The incident also injured two onlookers.
Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke handed down Holder’s 60-year-to-life sentence on Wednesday after hearing from one of Hussle’s friends and reading a letter from Holder’s father.
After a months-long trial, Holder Jr was convicted guilty of murder as well as two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for the two bystanders injured in the shooting.
According to BBC, he was not eligible for the death penalty and was largely expected to get a life sentence. He did not respond as his punishment was given out while dressed in orange jail garb.
Holder’s attorney informed ABC News that he wanted to appeal the conviction.
“It was always going to be tough given the high-profile circumstances surrounding the case,” the attorney, Aaron Jansen, said.
Prosecutors said during the murder trial that the attack was premeditated, while Holder’s defence team argued it was a heat-of-the-moment decision.
Holder’s defence attorney said he was provoked by a conversation he had with Hussle about rumours that he was cooperating with police.
Hussle was struck by gunfire at least 10 times, after which Holder Jr kicked him in the head and fled the scene, Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney John McKinney told the court, according to the Associated Press.
Hussle grew up in South Los Angeles, where he was a member of the Rollin’ 60s street gang as a teenager.
He opened the Marathon Clothing store as a way of investing in his community. Before his death, he had also reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department to discuss ways to help prevent gang violence in the neighbourhood.
The rapper, who won two posthumous Grammy awards for best rap performance and best rap/song collaboration in 2020, had two children with actor Lauren London.
He was also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hussle’s murder has sparked an outpouring of support from fans across the country who have posted tributes to the rapper.
