PnB Rock‘s murder suspects were both found guilty on all counts last month, and now they have been handed down their respective sentences.
On Monday (September 23), Freddie Lee Trone was sentenced to 31 years to life for his role in the 2022 shooting death, according to a report from Deadline. The 42-year-old is the father of the 17-year-old alleged shooter – who is currently being deemed unfit for trial – and acted as the boy’s getaway driver. He also ordered the hit.
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Trone conspired moments ahead of the murder with fellow suspect Tremont Jones, who has received a 12-year prison sentence.
Trone was found guilty of felony murder, two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy during court proceedings in August, while Jones was found guilty of two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy.
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In a statement to Rolling Stone following the verdict, PnB Rock’s mother Deanna Allen said: “I’m elated. I wanted to jump up and scream, ‘Hallelujah.’ I’m so happy it was quick. We got justice for Rakim. I feel better knowing they’ll be in jail for a long time.”
Trone’s lawyer argued there was no proof his client was at the crime scene, but the jury’s foreperson, Edwin Lovo, noted that surveillance video showed differently.
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“We could clearly see it was him,” Lovo said.
It was also noted that the initial theory the rapper’s girlfriend Stephanie Sibounheuang’s social media post placing her at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles was what led to Rock’s murder was not the case.
“In terms of timing, it just wasn’t plausible,” Lovo said.
Nicki Minaj was among those who said it was poor judgment from Rock’s girlfriend to share their location online ahead of the shooting.
“After Pop Smoke there’s no way we as rappers or our loved ones are still posting locations to our whereabouts. To show waffles & some fried chicken????!” she wrote on her Instagram. “He was such a pleasure to work with. Condolences to his mom & family. This makes me feel so sick. Jesus. #SIP #PnbRock.”
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Cardi B stood up for Sibounheuang at the time, however, saying: “I highly doubt nikkas was looking at PMB’s babymom IG. He was in a bad location and people stay outside plotting. It’s very irresponsible and inconsiderate to blame her for something so tragic. We should be sending nothing but love to her and his family at this time.”
