Freddie Lee Trone, 42, has been sentenced to 31 years to life in prison for his involvement in the killing of rapper PnB Rock, real name Rakim Hasheem Allen.
The shooting took place in September 2022 at a Los Angeles restaurant, where the rapper was gunned down in front of his girlfriend.
The fatal attack occurred at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, a popular spot in South Los Angeles, when Trone’s then 17-year-old son walked in, masked, and shot PnB Rock before stealing the artist’s jewelry.
Prosecutors argued that Trone had directed his teenage son to carry out the violent robbery. While Trone denied ordering the killing, he was convicted in August 2023 of murder, two counts of second-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery.
His son, now 19, faces similar charges but has yet to stand trial due to concerns about his mental competency.
Related stories
In addition to Trone, a second man, Tremont Jones, was convicted of his role in the crime. Jones, involved in the robbery that led to the rapper’s death, received a 12-year prison sentence for two counts of second-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.
The tragic murder of PnB Rock sent shockwaves through the music community and fans alike. Known for his hit single Selfish and collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran, the Philadelphia-born rapper had just released a new song, Luv Me Again, two days before the fatal shooting. He was just 30 years old when his life was cut short.
The aftermath of the shooting was devastating for PnB Rock’s girlfriend, Stephanie Sibounheuang, who witnessed the horrific event. In an emotional Instagram post after the incident, she expressed the heartbreak of losing the man she loved and the trauma of being unable to stay with him in his final moments.
Since his death, tributes have poured in from the music industry. Fellow artists, including Drake and Nicki Minaj, honored PnB Rock’s memory, celebrating his contributions to music and the joy he brought to those who worked with him.
