Appeals Court

Nipsey Hussle’s Killer Has Conviction Upheld By California Appeals Court

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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.”

Read More: Nipsey Hussle’s Son Looks Just Like Him And Fans Are Blown Away

Nipsey Hussle’s Killer Will Remain Behind Bars

Nipsey Hussle
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.”

Read More: Bricc Baby Was “Sick” When He Learned His Friend, Eric Holder, Killed Nipsey Hussle

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Vybz Kartel Loses Bid To Introduce New Evidence In Murder Appeal

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Vybz Kartel remains the reigning champion of dancehall, even throughout his incarceration. Police arrested and charged the dancehall star in 2011 in relation to the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. A few years later, the court convicted the “Romping Shop” singer and sentenced him to life in prison. Throughout his time behind bars, he remained one of the most consistent artists in the dancehall scene. At the same time of releasing an abundance of music, he attempted to appeal his conviction. Unfortunately, his attempts haven’t proven to be successful.

Most recently, Vybz Kartel took his appeal to the United Kingdom’s Privy Council where he tried to have “fresh evidence” introduced to his appeal. Kartel’s attorneys want to bring forth new evidence relating to the singer’s phone, which contained incriminating text messages and voice messages surrounding the murder of Williams. However, his attorney argued that there are signs of tampering with the phone during its time in police custody. Throughout the numerous attempts, Kartel’s chances of release became slim. Still, he remains hopeful that he could overturn his conviction in the future. 

Privy Council Denies Vybz Kartel’s “Fresh Evidence” But Appeal Isn’t Over

ST. MARY – OCTOBER 16: Vybz Kartel performs onstage during MTV’s Tempo network launch celebration October 16, 2005 in St. Mary, Jamaica. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

Per Dancehall Mag, the UK-based Privy Council, Jamaica’s final court, denied Vybz Kartel’s motion to introduce this “fresh evidence” of tampering. This came after they refused permission to appeal “additional grounds” brought forth by his legal team. Additionally, the court refused his co-defendants, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St. John on similar grounds. “Having considered written submissions from the Appellants and the Respondent, we have agreed to report to Your Majesty as our opinion that permission to appeal to be refused in the application dated 20 November 2020,” the committee reported.

However, not all hope is lost in this case. Though his efforts to introduce new evidence have been denied, his actual appeal still stands and is outstanding. As Kartel continues to fight the case, it seems as though he will still have a chance to make an argument in front of Jamaica’s final court. Still, his attorney, Isat Buchanan, didn’t share any new information with the media. “The matter is sub judice,” Buchanan said, which is Latin for “under a judge.” We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding Vybz Kartel’s trial. 

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Tory Lanez Ex-Lawyer Explains Exit: “I Don’t Do Appeals”

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His trial may be over, but the second phase of the case against Tory Lanez is just heating up. During the holiday season, Lanez was found guilty on three counts related to the July 2020 of Megan Thee Stallion. He denied culpability in the case; however, Megan testified that she watched as her former friend shot at her during an angry outburst.

It was recently reported that Lanez switched up his legal team and got rid of attorney George Mgdesyan. Law & Crime reporter Meghan Cuniff has steadily shared updates about Lanez’s case, and yesterday (January 8), she tweeted the rapper hired David Kenner. He has famously represented both Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight.

Read More: Tory Lanez Hires Suge Knight’s Former Lawyer

Meanwhile, following the conclusion of the case, Mgdesyan has faced backlash. The attorney’s methods were criticized, including closing arguments about the singer not being tall enough to shoot over the vehicle door at Megan.

Rolling Stone senior reporter Nancy Dillon has also tracked this case and issued a statement from Mgdesyan. The lawyer refutes claims that he’s exiting Lanez’s legal teams on bad terms.

“I don’t do appeals, so we had to get somebody on board to handle the appeal,” said Mgdesyan.

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 07: Tory Lanez performs at the 10th annual ONE Musicfest at Centennial Olympic Park on September 7, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Read More: Soulja Boy Defends Megan Thee Stallion & Calls Out Tory Lanez

Additionally, Mgdesyan added he “may still attend” Lanez’s sentencing hearing on January 27, “if possible.”

He shared, “As a party who represented Tory and is friends with Tory, I have an interest.”

This case continues to divide the Hip Hop community. Lanez’s avid supporters stand by his innocence, while Megan’s fans believe the right person is behind bars.