Nipsey Hussle’s murder was a devastating moment for hip hop culture. Unlike so many of the fallen rappers before him, however, his killer was brought to justice. Eric Holder was convicted and given a 60 year sentence in 2023. Holder has tried to appeal his sentencing in the year since, but his efforts appear to have been in vain. AllHipHop obtained court documents on November 5, claiming that the California Appeals Court has rejected Holder’s appeal outright.
Eric Holder was convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and two counts of assault with a firearm for shooting two men. He was given 25 years to life for the murder, 25 years for the firearm sentencing and 10 years for assault with a firearm. Holder claimed to have been affected by mental illness throughout his life, which Judge H. Clay Jacke II took into account during the sentencing. “I am very mindful of what was presented as to Mr. Holder’s mental health,” Jacke asserted. “[I’m] also mindful of the devastation caused to the victims and their families. I believe this sentence balances the two.”
Nipsey Hussle’s Killer Will Remain Behind Bars
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 01: A photo of rapper Nipsey Hussle, 33, is seen among candles as people gather to mourn him on April 1, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The Grammy-nominated artist was gunned down in broad daylight two days ago in front of The Marathon Clothing store he founded in 2017 on the day he was scheduled to meet with Los Angeles Police Department brass to discuss ways of stopping gang violence. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Holder’s appeal was rejected on the grounds that the defense did not make a compelling case. The California Appeals Court issued a lengthy statement detailing the ways in which Eric Holder’s case was fairly executed. “The trial court fully understood and properly exercised its discretion when it declined to dismiss the firearm enhancement,” the statement read. The statement also noted that the court did not “abuse its discretion” when it came to prohibiting Holder’s defense. “Nothing in the trial court’s rulings prevented appellant from arguing objective and subjective provocation to the jury,” the statement added.
Holder’s upheld conviction was met with praise from Nipsey Hussle’s fanbase. Many felt a sense of relief when Holder was originally convicted, and the same was true following confirmation that he will continue to be behind bars. This, of course, will not take away the loss. Herman “Cowboy” Douglas, a close friend of Nipsey Hussle, said it best following Holder’s conviction. “One man’s mistake, one man’s action,” he told KTLA 5. “[It] messed up a whole community.”
About The Author
Elias Andrews is a music and entertainment writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH in 2024 as the lead night shift contributor, which means he covers new music releases on a weekly basis.
In the year since joining, Elias has covered some of the biggest and most turbulent stories in the world of music. He covered the Drake and Kendrick Lamar battle, and the release of the disses “Family Matters” and “Meet the Grahams,” in particular, in real time. He has also detailed the ongoing list of allegations and criminal charges made against Diddy.
Elias’ favorite artists are Andre 3000, MF Doom, pre-808s Kanye West and Tyler, The Creator. He loves L.A. hip-hop but not L.A. sports teams. The first album he ever bought was Big Willie Style by Will Smith, which he maintains is still a pretty good listen.
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