From Viral to Prison: Silento receives a 30-year sentence for killing his cousin—his shocking rise and decline revealed.
Ricky Lamar “Silento” Hawk, 27, known for the 2015 viral hit Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae), received a 30-year sentence today. He pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, firearm possession, and concealing his cousin’s death.
The tragic incident dates back to January 21, 2021, in Panthersville, Georgia. Police found his cousin, 34-year-old Frederick Rooks III, shot multiple times early that morning. Nearby security footage showed a white BMW, linked to Silento, fleeing the scene.
Silento confessed roughly ten days later, and ballistics confirmed his weapon matched the crime
Once a teen dance phenomenon with over 1.9 billion YouTube views, Silento’s career derailed due to mental health crises. He had a history of arrests, including a 2020 assault with a hatchet and domestic violence charges.
His publicist revealed in 2020 he attempted suicide and battled persistent depression .
At sentencing, family members of Rooks called the outcome too light, believing harsher punishment was deserved. The plea deal reduced murder to manslaughter based on his mental state
