LOS ANGELES – A jury has convicted the man accused of murdering rapper Nipsey Hussle in front of his family owned clothing store March 31, 2019.
Eric Holder, 32, was convicted of first degree murder. .in a Los Angeles courtroom.
Holder’s defense hinged on what they described as a “crime of passion” that occured in the “heat of the moment” after Holder was allegedly called a “snitch” by the rapper whose real name is Ermias Joseph Asghedom.
A close friend of Asghedom’s testified he didn’t hear the word “snitch” being used.
“I want to say on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office that we are both proud and I am personally a little relieved that the verdict came in a complete, absolute agreement with the charges that Eric Holder murdered Ermias Asghedom in cold blood.”
“… We hope that today is a day in which the Asghedom family, the friends and fans of Nipsey Hussle around the world find some measure of closure,” the prosecutor said. “Obviously nothing that happened here today can heal the wound. Nothing that happened here today can restore Mr. Asghedom to this world. But again, we hope that there is some resounding peace in the fact that his killer will be in prison — likely for the rest of his life.”
The jury deliberated five hours July 1 without reaching a verdict and resumed today with a verdict coming less than an hour later. Jurors are being asked to consider either murder in the 1st degree or a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Nipsey Hussle was a beloved member of our community. He showed a commitment to improving schools within his neighborhood and investing in underserved communities,” District Attorney Gascón said. ““He also used his platform to advocate for gang violence prevention and to ensure we create thriving communities that will continue to inspire our work.
Today we secured accountability for the loss of his life and will continue to work alongside so many others to realize a brighter future. We know there is no way to replace what was taken from his family, friends and fans who loved him but we pray this verdict will move them one step closer to finding peace.”
Holder is scheduied to be sentenced September 15.
City News Service contributed to this article.
