The teen accused of murdering rapper PnB Rock nearly two years ago was found incompetent to stand trial by a juvenile court judge in Los Angeles County on Friday, July 26. Rolling Stone’s Nancy Dillon reported the judge’s decision via Twitter, emphasizing the teen’s lack of competency.
Los Angeles County jurors began hearing opening statements in the PnB Rock murder trial on Tuesday, July 24. The case involves Freddie Trone and Tremont Jones, who are being tried for their alleged roles in the rapper’s 2022 shooting death. The teen, who was 17 at the time, will face a separate trial due to his age.
Prosecutors allege that Jones informed Trone about PnB Rock’s location at Roscoe’s Chicken ‘N Waffles in South Los Angeles. Trone then allegedly drove his son to the restaurant, where the teen fatally shot PnB Rock during a robbery attempt. Trone is accused of trying to destroy the getaway car after the shooting.
Trone has pleaded not guilty to murder, robbery, and conspiracy to commit a felony. His attorney, Winston McKesson, acknowledged Trone’s role as an accessory after the fact but insisted that Trone did not plan or encourage the shooting. McKesson told jurors, “You will hear no evidence that he planned this with his son or egged him on. We’re not disputing that he helped his son cover it up. What we’re saying is the gunman acted alone.”
Jones, who has pleaded not guilty to robbery, conspiracy, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, also maintains his innocence. His lawyer, David Haas, argued that the prosecution’s case is based on speculation. “All of this is guesswork,” Haas said. “When you can’t put your finger on specific words or actions, it’s a finding of not guilty.”
Trone’s wife, Shauntel, avoided trial by accepting a plea deal. She was charged with being an accessory after the fact in PnB Rock’s death.
A lot happened in the PnB Rock murder case today:
1. Alleged teen shooter had a juvenile hearing, court found he still lacks competency
2. Medical Examiner testified at trial for alleged shooter's dad & said PnB Rock was shot 3 times: once in his chest and TWICE in his back
— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) July 26, 2024
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