Rap star Silento charged with murder of cousin

2 February 2021, 06:00 | Updated: 2 February 2021, 08:33

Rapper Silento, known for the 2015 viral song Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae), has been charged with the murder of his cousin
Rapper Silento, known for the 2015 viral song Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae), has been charged with the murder of his cousin. Picture: PA

By Kate Buck

Rapper Silento, known for the 2015 viral song Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae), has been charged with the murder of his cousin, police have said.

The 23-year-old, real name is Richard Lamar Hawk, was arrested on Monday for the killing of Frederick Rooks, according to the DeKalb County Police Department in Georgia.

The force said Rooks, 34, was found with multiple gunshot wounds on January 21, and died from his injuries.

Hawk was identified as the suspect and arrested, and police say they are working to determine a motive for the killing.

Hawk is in the DeKalb County Jail, they added.

In September the hip-hop star was charged with assault after allegedly attacking two strangers with a hatchet in Los Angeles.

He was alleged to have walked into a stranger's unlocked home and attacked two people before one of them disarmed him, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) was a viral hit in 2015 and spawned a dance challenge.

Despite its popularity, it was largely panned by critics. Pop culture magazine Complex called it "one of the most annoying things to ever exist".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

University of London Queen Mary College Queens Building in Mile End Road London

Students left horrified after camera discovered under desk at university

Breaking
Heathrow’s backup power 'was never designed to support whole airport,' the Transport Secretary has said.

Heathrow’s backup power 'was never designed to support whole airport,' says Transport Secretary

Exclusive
Screen grab taken from PA Video of Heathrow Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye issuing a statement following the disruption at the airport throughout the day following a fire at a electric substation nearby. Picture date: Friday March 21, 2025.

Heathrow boss to be hauled in and quizzed by MPs following airport shutdown

Ashton Hall

Influencer rubs banana on face and dunks himself in ice water at 5am as bizarre 18-step morning routine goes viral

The case was found in one sheep on a farm in Yorkshire

World’s first case of bird flu in sheep found on UK farm

ROMANIA-US-CRIME-INTERNET-CELEBRITY-SEXISM

Tate brothers return to Romania to 'prove their innocence' amid rape and trafficking accusations

Anti-Trump protestors take to Greenland streets as Ursula Vance and US delegation's visit branded a 'provocation'

Greenland PM brands Usha Vance and US delegation's visit a 'provocation' as anti-Trump protestors swarm streets

Morrisons has said hundreds of jobs are at risk

Morrisons to shut 52 cafes and 17 stores putting hundreds of jobs at risk - see full list

The Vivienne

The Vivienne's sister shares heartbreaking update on Drag Race star's death

Sir Keir Starmer visits a branch of Halfords today

We're 'looking across the board' for savings, says PM over plans to slash government running costs

Snow White screenings have been empty.

Film fans share pictures of empty Snow White screenings - but 'woke' remake still tops US box office

Ashley Atkin has been banned from teaching

Teacher banned after showing up to school too drunk to walk straight and smelling of alcohol

Tamim Iqbal was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack

Cricket star on life support after heart attack during match

The transport secretary has defended the Heathrow boss who 'went back to sleep' during the fire on Friday.

Transport secretary dodges question over embattled Heathrow boss who 'went back to sleep' during fire

James Corden

James Corden rows with neighbours over 'loud drumming' and plans to put up 'eyesore' sauna in back garden

Neighbours were "gobsmacked" over the incident.

'Gobsmacked' neighbours recall two hours of mayhem after 'knife-wielding thugs' gatecrash party in primary school