Nipsey Hussle was shot in 2019 outside his clothing store. Image Source: Teen Vogue 

Eric Holder was found guilty of the first-degree murder of American rapper and beloved Nipsey Hussle.

Three years after Nipsey Hussle's terrible death, a jury has determined that the alleged killer, Eric Holder, is guilty of first-degree murder of the rapper. Additionally, Eric Holder was found guilty of one count of gun possession as well as two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter.

Ermias Asghedom, also known as Nipsey Hussle, was shot and killed outside of his clothing store, The Marathon in South Central Los Angeles in 2019. The artist suffered several gunshot wounds to the head and torso, according to the doctors who treated him. When he died, he was 33 years old and at the time, the LAPD released a statement indicating that Eric Holder had been put under suspicion for killing Nipsey Hussle. He and two other guys approached Nipsey Hussle, opened fire on him with several rounds of ammunition, and then fled the scene in a nearby parked car.

According to reports, in 2019, Eric Holder was taken into custody on charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of felons in possession of a firearm. The suspect was also charged with using a gun to inflict serious harm or death. During the closing argument of the trial in Los Angeles County Court, the prosecution argued that Eric Holder should be found guilty of murder for the alleged assault on Nipsey Hussle.

Nipsey Hussle's attorney said that the rapper wanted to change the neighborhood he grew up in. Image Source: Billboard

After Nipsey Hussle publicly accused Eric Holder of being a snitch and claimed that the provocation was what sparked his rage and strong emotions, defense attorney Aaron Jansen argued during the closing argument that although his client "shot and killed" Nipsey Hussle, it was "an act of impulse and rashness, although Eric Holder did admit to being the one who shot Nipsey. The defendant's defense attorney pleaded with the jury to convict him of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.

The act was described as cold-blooded and planned by district attorney John McKinney, who added that Eric Holder had quite a bit of time for premeditation and planning. John McKinney reminded the jury that the nine minutes between the conversation and the shooting allowed Eric Holder for the killing to be premeditated, a requirement for first-degree murder, and argued that the snitching conversation could not have been the main reason for Eric Holder to shoot Nipsey Hussle. He added that he must have previously harbored some envy or hatred for the American rapper. Speaking about Nipsey Hussle, John McKinney said that he had just released his major-label debut album and had earned his first Grammy nomination at the time he was shot.

The late American rapper’s attorney said during the closing argument that Nipsey Hussle wanted to change the neighborhood where he grew up and remained after he gained fame and had the same friends and everyone loved him not only in his neighborhood but in the industry too. John continued by saying that he was known as Neighbourhood Nip by his neighbors. The Grammy Awards featured a tribute to Nipsey Hussle that featured D.J. Khaled and John Legend.

According to reports, when the verdict was announced by the jury that consisted of nine women and three men who deliberated for about six hours over two days, Eric Holder did not have any visible reaction. Eric Holder could get life imprisonment when he is sentenced on September 15th and his attorneys are planning to appeal as well which according to reports could take months or years. 

It's interesting to note that Eric Holder and Nipsey Hussle had grown up in the same South Los Angeles street gang and had known one other for over four years. The video from the security cameras and eyewitness accounts, which showed Eric Holder's entry, shooting, and exit from the crime scene, served as evidence against him.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón shared a statement after the verdict was announced stating that Nipsey Hussle was described as a cherished member of the community who had utilized his platform to advocate for gang violence prevention and to guarantee we construct vibrant neighborhoods. To create a brighter future, Gascón stated that they have secured responsibility for the loss of his life today and will continue to fight with so many others to attain that. The attorney continued that they have realized that there is no way to restore what was taken from his family, friends, and supporters who loved him, but they trust this verdict will bring them closer to finding peace.