Silento has broken his silence following a 30-year prison sentence for killing his cousin.
The 27-year-old rapper, born Richard Lamar “Ricky” Hawk, issued a public statement shortly after learning his fate for the 2021 killing of Frederick Rooks.
“I will continue to make music and work on becoming the best possible version of myself,” he said. “I can’t reverse time, but I can serve the time I’ve been given lawfully, and strive to positively contribute to whatever my new environment may be.”
He acknowledged his troubled past, saying, “I entered this industry as a teenager, often without proper guidance or direction…I pray for growth, evolution, and the ability to find forgiveness — for myself and for this entire situation. God bless y’all.”
Silento pleaded guilty to reduced charges and will serve his sentence in a mental health facility after initial processing. His attorney, Keith Adams, said, “This was not a crime of passion… He was mentally ill,” and shared that his client may be eligible for parole within 10 years.
“No one is beyond redemption,” Adams added.
