After three years since the death of rapper Nipsey Hussle, a jury decided Eric Holder was guilty of first-degree murder. In 2019, he was shot in front of a clothing store he owned in South Las Angeles. Although people knew Eric Holder shot Hussle, as multiple eye-witnesses confirmed along with security footage, the defense attorney claimed this shooting was not premeditated, and only happened in the heat of the moment.
The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of Eric Holder Jr., the man accused of killing Nipsey Hussle.
I'm in court now. Follow along here for more updates and context from me + @joecoscarelli: https://t.co/AemPp8GTNl
— Jill Cowan (@JillCowan) July 6, 2022
Prosecutors, however, described how Hussle and Holder were in the same street gang, but Holder felt disrespected by Hussle and decided to shoot him. Now, Holder can face life in prison and will be sentenced in September. The jury also found him guilty of possessing a firearm as a felon and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
FYI: Eric R. Holder Jr. is not related to former Attorney General Eric Holder.
Thought I should just put that out there.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) July 6, 2022
This news immediately went viral as people discussed the verdict and the sentencing that would be coming a few months later. “That verdict means he will face an indeterminate sentence that could lean towards life, though he will eventually be eligible for parole under California’s “elder parole” law,” a LA Times reporter wrote.
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Herman Douglas, aka Cowboy, a close friend of Nipsey who was a key witness in the trial, just got here and found out the verdict. He broke down in tears in the hallway as community activist Najee Ali comforted him. “We got justice for Nipsey, thanks to you,” Ali said.
— James Queally (@JamesQueallyLAT) July 6, 2022
Many agreed with the verdict, with one person writing “In the heat of passion” does not make one any less dead. Glad they found him guilty of first-degree murder ‘cause that’s what it was.” Many people also believe he will receive life in prison, but might be able to qualify for probation due to California’s elderly parole program.
More than 3 years after Nipsey Hussle was killed— Eric Holder Jr has just been found GUILTY of 1st degree murder in the case. He faces life in prison and was also found guilty of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter.
— Brooke Thomas (@BrookeOnAir) July 6, 2022
Due to having similar names, there was confusion where some people thought this was either the former Attorney General Eric H. Holder or his son, but many journalists have tried to specify to avoid confusion. This verdict closes a chapter in hip-hop history as people continue to mourn and miss the rapper.
