Eric Holder Jr, a Crips gang member was sentenced to at least 60 years in prison on Wednesday after he was found guilty of killing rapper Ermias Asghedom well known as Nipsey Hussle outside his Crenshaw clothing store in 2019.


Nipsey Hussle died from gunshot wounds to his head and torso. His death was ruled a homicide. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hussle was shot multiple times and was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead.

prosecutors told the jury Holder kicked Nipsey in the head after riddling his body with bullets, claiming it was proof the attack was personal. Deputy District Attorney John McKinney then told the jury Holder told Nipsey, "You're through," to which the rapper replied, "You got me."

The 33 year old Holder was arrested on April 2, 2019, and charged days later.

Aaron Jansen, the public defender who represented Mr. Holder, said that the fatal shooting was not premeditated and that it took place in the “heat of passion” after an exchange in which Hussle, 33, invoked neighborhood rumors that Mr. Holder was a snitch who  had cooperated with law enforcement.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke sentenced Eric Holder Jr. to 25 years to life in state prison for murdering Hussle and an additional 25 years to life based on a sentencing enhancement because he used a gun. 

Holder must serve an additional 10 years in prison on assault convictions for shooting two other men who were with Hussle the day of the killing.

Nipsey and Holder had known each other for years growing up as members of the Rollin’ 60s in south LA. Both were aspiring rappers. But Holder never found the same success as Hussle.

Hussle was hailed as a local hero and celebrity, producing music on his own terms for 15 years before releasing his major label debut, “Victory Lap,” in 2018.