( 📸: Reuters; Getty Images)
Cousins! A Los Angeles jury has found 33 year old Eric Holder guilty of 1st degree murder surrounding the tragic death of Nipsey Hussle. Circulating reports confirm Holder has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison!
According to the LA Times reporter James Queally , Holder’s sentencing consists of 25-to-life on a murder count, an additional 25-to-life for a sentencing enhancement since a gun was used. Along with 10 years for shooting two other men on the same day he fatally shot Nipsey.
As we previously reported Eric shot and killed Nipsey nearly four years ago in broad daylight outside of the rapper’s clothing store, The Marathon located in South Los Angeles.
It has been stated that gruesome details of the incident were recently discussed during trial as prosecutors explained that Eric kicked Nipsey in his head after sadly shooting him to death. The incident had been declared as personal. Prosecutors state the two men had a short conversation after running into one another on an early Sunday afternoon outside the clothing store.
It has been stated that Eric exited the store and returned nearly 10 minutes later with a fire arm. Records show be shot Nipsey nearly 10 times.
During court proceedings Eric’s legal team expressed that he has suffered from a lifetime of mental illness and alleged abuse.
“I am very mindful of what was presented as to Mr. Holder’s mental health,” said Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke II. “I am also mindful of the devastation caused to the victims and their families. I believe this sentence balances the two.”
According to reports from Fox News Jacke sentenced holder to 25 years to life for the murder and 25 more for a firearm sentencing enhancement along with an additional 10 years for the assault with firearm convictions. He also received credit for the four years he has already served.
A public defender representing Eric, Aaron Jansen requested a decreased sentence of 25 years. He argued that his client’s life behind bars is going to be difficult and short as he has already received death threats.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
“Nipsey was my friend, he was like a son, he was like a dad,” said a close friend to Nipsey identified as Herman “Cowboy” Douglas. “Our community right now, we lost everything, everything we worked for. One man’s mistake, one man’s action, messed up a whole community.”
Herman testified that all of Nipsey’s surrounding businesses he owned and supported have all been closed down following his death.
“I don’t care what you give this guy. It ain’t about the time. I just want to know why. The world wants to know why. Why someone would do that?” he asked.
During Eric’s sentencing he is said to have stared blankly and only responded when asked if he understood the circumstances.
The obtained evidence against Eric was a cakewalk for prosecutors as eyewitnesses and surveillance camera footage from local businesses show in detail his arrival, the shooting and him leaving.
Following roughly six hours of deliberation, jurors found Eric guilty of first-degree murder.
“I know there are not enough words that would fill the void, the pain, the deep sorrow that they feel,” read a letter from Eric’s fatherEric Holder Sr. apologizing to Hussle’s family and to the other victims.. “I question myself every day asking if I as a father did everything to help Eric Jr. stabilize his mental health.”