A jury in Los Angeles reached a verdict on Tuesday in the trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, also known as Rakim Mayers, after deliberating for about three hours. The jury, comprising seven women and five men, began their discussions in the morning following three weeks of testimony and arguments that concluded last Friday.
A$AP Rocky faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm related to an incident that occurred on November 6, 2021, where he is accused of firing two shots at former friend A$AP Relli on a Hollywood street. If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from three to nine years for each count, accumulating up to a potential maximum of 24 years in prison.
During the trial, jurors were tasked with deciding the guilt or innocence of Rocky, with the possibility of acquitting him if they believed he acted in self-defense or if he was only firing blanks from a prop gun, which he claimed to carry for security purposes. Mistrial was a possibility if the jury could not reach a consensus.
Rocky has remained out on bail since his arrest in 2022 and declined a pre-trial plea deal that would have resulted in only six months of incarceration. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on A$AP Relli’s testimony and supporting evidence, including surveillance footage capturing the sounds of gunfire and the incident.
The outcome of this trial could significantly impact A$AP Rocky’s life and career, as he is not only a prominent figure in the music industry but also the partner of pop icon Rihanna, who attended much of the trial with their young children.
The case highlights broader issues regarding gun violence and personal safety, raising important discourse on how such incidents affect personal relationships and communities. A resolution in this trial may pave the way for Rocky to focus on his family and music, regardless of the verdict.
In summary, the jury’s deliberation results are highly anticipated and could have serious implications for A$AP Rocky’s future, both legally and personally.