Nipsey Hussle's Killer Gets 60 Years To Life In Federal Prison

Rapper Nipsey Hussle's family received justice for their beloved son as a Los Angeles court sentenced his killer, Eric Holder Jr., to 60 years to life in federal prison.

Holder had murdered Hussle in 2019, shooting the Grammy-nominated artist at least ten times in the parking lot outside of his clothing store, Marathon Clothing. He was found guilty of first-degree murder in July 2022, alongside two other counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter.

Following Hussle's death, a memorial was held in his honor at the Los Angeles Staple Center. The rapper also received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame last year.

Keep on reading to learn more.

On Wednesday, in a Los Angeles courtroom, Holder, who shot dead Hussle on March 31, 2019, bagged a sentence of 60 years to life in prison, per NBC News.

He attended his sentencing dressed in the customary orange jail attire and remained stoic as his sentence was read out to the hearing of those in the court.

Before Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke handed down the sentence, one of Hussle's friends gave an emotional speech, and a letter from Holder's father's letter was also read.

The sentencing comes after Holder was found guilty of first-degree murder in July 2022, following his 2019 arrest for killing the beloved rapper and father of two.

Holder's sentencing had been shifted on multiple occasions, most recently on November 3, as his nose attorney, Aaron Jansen, pushed for a reduced conviction.

The attorney had argued that Holder should be convicted of either manslaughter or second-degree murder for his shooting of Hussle. However, the judge did not budge in the end, delivering a verdict to uphold the initial charges.

During the sentencing, Holder was also convicted of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter brought on by his injuring of two bystanders when he attacked Hussle.

Per the publication, the deceased rapper and his shooter were once affiliated with the same gang, the Rollin' 60s.

However, Hussle ultimately chose to follow a different path, evolving into a well-known opponent of gun violence and a prominent community figure engaged in improving his neighborhood and providing opportunities for children. 

The Grammy-nominated rapper was 33 when he was shot at least ten times outside his apparel store, Marathon Clothing.

He opened the store in June 2017 as one of his projects to help improve his neighborhood.

Evidence displayed during the trial showed Holder captured on camera and in pictures running away from the crime scene while brandishing a semiautomatic handgun.

On what transpired between Hussle and his killer, the pair reportedly had an argument earlier in the day before Holder returned later to shoot the rapper.

Prosecutors claimed that Holder was angry over accusations that he was a snitch. However, Holder's lawyer, Aaron Jansen, argued that his client's actions were spurred by "heated passion," and he was yet to regain his senses before he came back with the weapon he used to commit the murder.

The attorney claimed the charges were excessive, arguing that Holder's actions were not premeditated. 

Hussle's death was deeply felt by members of the South Los Angles community, who had for years enjoyed his impact.

After his demise, thousands gathered to pay their last respect to the rapper at a public funeral that took place at the Los Angeles Staples Center.

Last year, the rapper was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, joining the ranks of entertainment stars to have earned the prestigious honor.

Hundreds of fans were in attendance at the ceremony, including the rapper's sister Samantha Smith, his girlfriend, Lauren London, and his grandmother Margaret Boutte, who accepted the honor for the family. 

"I think I speak for the entire city of L.A. when I say that we've always known Hussle was destined for greatness," said London to the press at the ceremony, per NBC News. "This moment only amplifies this for us. Nip would've been honored by this moment."