Frederick Rooks III was a 34-year-old Georgia man whose death in January 2021 became the center of a high-profile criminal case involving Atlanta rapper Silentó, best known for the hit song Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae). In June 2025, Silentó, whose legal name is Richard “Ricky” Lamar Hawk, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter and other charges. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The case drew national attention because it involved a family tragedy, a well-known music artist, and years of legal proceedings.
Frederick Rooks III at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frederick Rooks III |
| Age | 34 |
| Known For | Cousin of rapper Silentó |
| Date of Death | January 21, 2021 |
| Location | Near Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia |
| Cause of Death | Multiple gunshot wounds |
| Related Case | State of Georgia v. Richard “Ricky” Lamar Hawk (Silentó) |
What Happened to Frederick Rooks III?
During the early morning of January 21, 2021, police responded to reports of gunfire in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Officers found Frederick Rooks III with multiple gunshot wounds outside a residential neighborhood. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Investigators collected evidence from the area, including shell casings, while nearby surveillance cameras captured a white BMW SUV leaving shortly after the shooting.
The investigation quickly expanded as detectives worked to determine who had been with Rooks before the incident.
How Did Investigators Identify the Suspect?
Authorities gathered several pieces of evidence during the investigation.
According to investigators:
- Family members said Rooks had last been seen with Silentó.
- Surveillance footage showed a white BMW leaving the area.
- GPS data reportedly placed the vehicle near the crime scene.
- Ballistics testing matched shell casings to a firearm recovered during the investigation.
- Police said Silentó later admitted his involvement during questioning.
These findings became key parts of the criminal case.
Silentó’s Guilty Plea and Prison Sentence
In June 2025, Richard “Ricky” Lamar Hawk entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill.
As part of the agreement, he pleaded guilty to:
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Aggravated assault
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
- Concealing the death of another
The original murder charge was dismissed under the plea agreement.
Following the plea, the court sentenced him to 30 years in prison.
What Does “Guilty but Mentally Ill” Mean?
A guilty but mentally ill plea means the court finds the defendant legally responsible for the crime while also recognizing the presence of a mental illness.
This type of plea does not remove criminal responsibility. Instead, it allows correctional officials to consider mental health treatment during incarceration according to applicable laws and correctional procedures.
Silentó’s Rise to Fame
Long before the criminal case, Silentó became one of the biggest viral music stars of 2015.
His breakout single, Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae), sparked a worldwide dance trend across schools, sporting events, and social media platforms.
The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for more than a year, turning the young Atlanta artist into an international name almost overnight.
Although he later released additional music, none matched the extraordinary success of his debut hit.
Mental Health Statements During the Case
Mental health became an important part of the legal proceedings.
Over the years, people close to Silentó publicly discussed his struggles, while court filings and legal arguments also addressed the issue.
During sentencing, the guilty but mentally ill plea acknowledged those circumstances, but the court still imposed a lengthy prison sentence for the crimes.
Timeline of the Frederick Rooks III Case
| Date | Event |
| January 21, 2021 | Frederick Rooks III was found fatally shot in DeKalb County, Georgia. |
| February 2021 | Silentó was arrested in connection with the case. |
| 2021–2025 | Criminal proceedings continued in court. |
| June 2025 | Silentó pleaded guilty but mentally ill. |
| June 2025 | Court sentenced him to 30 years in prison. |
Why Did This Case Receive So Much Attention?
Several factors brought widespread attention to the case.
First, Silentó was already internationally recognized because of his viral music career.
Second, the victim was a close family member, making the case especially tragic.
Finally, the legal proceedings included discussions about mental health alongside serious criminal charges, leading to extensive public interest.
Public Reaction
The sentencing generated significant discussion among fans, legal observers, and news organizations.
Many focused on the tragedy experienced by both families, while others reflected on the importance of mental health awareness alongside accountability within the justice system.
The Lasting Impact
The death of Frederick Rooks III permanently changed the lives of those involved.
For Rooks’ family, it marked the loss of a loved one.
For Silentó, the case ended a music career that once appeared full of promise and resulted in a lengthy prison sentence following years of legal proceedings.
The case remains one of the most widely discussed legal stories involving a former viral music star.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Frederick Rooks III?
Frederick Rooks III was the cousin of rapper Silentó and the victim in the 2021 fatal shooting that led to the rapper’s conviction.
How old was he?
He was 34 years old.
When did Frederick Rooks III die?
He died on January 21, 2021.
Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting occurred in DeKalb County, Georgia, near Decatur.
Who was convicted in the case?
Richard “Ricky” Lamar Hawk, professionally known as Silentó, was convicted after pleading guilty but mentally ill to several charges.
How many years was Silentó sentenced to?
He received a 30-year prison sentence.
What charges did Silentó plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing the death of another.
Was the murder charge upheld?
No. The murder charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Why was this case widely reported?
It involved a globally recognized rapper, a family member’s death, and years of legal proceedings.
What is the lasting significance of the case?
The case highlights the tragic consequences of violent crime while showing how mental health issues may be addressed during criminal court proceedings without removing legal responsibility.
Conclusion
The story of Frederick Rooks III is remembered not because he sought public attention, but because his death became the center of a nationally recognized criminal case involving his cousin, rapper Silentó. The investigation, court proceedings, and final sentencing concluded after several years, bringing legal closure to the case while leaving a lasting impact on everyone connected to it.
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