LOS ANGELES—Ermias Asghedom, 33, known as Nipsey Hussle was shot multiple times in front of his apparel store Marathon Clothing on Sunday, March 31 around 3:25 p.m.
The Grammy-nominated rapper was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead within a hour from gunshot wounds he sustained. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the rapped died from a bullet to his head.
The Los Angeles Police Department released a photo of a suspect in the shooting, Eric Holder, 29, on Tuesday, April 2. Holder was taken in custody later in the day by officials from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He was later turned over to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Holder opened fire among four people standing by a car, shooting Hussle in the head and torso. Two other men sustained minor injuries during the incident. He fled the scene in a getaway car with an unidentified female outside a strip mall on West Slauson Boulevard in Hyde Park.
Video surveillance obtained by a nearby business captured the gunman approaching Hussle and two other men posing in front of the Marathon Clothing store before the guman was seen opening fire, hitting Hussle as he dropped to the ground.
An outraged vigil disturbance for Hussle transpired on Monday, April 1 around 8:10 p.m., after about 300 hundred people attended the candlelight memorial.
Canyon News spoke to Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Spokesperson, Josh Rubenstein via email about the rappers vigil violent stampede scare. Rubinstein explained, “No shots were fired, but people were transported to the hospital, including a person with a stab wound and others who were hurt after they were trampled on by crowds.”
He added, “Our appreciation to those from our community actively working with members at the vigil to quell violence. Their work is vital.”
The LAPD confirmed 19 people were taken to hospitals for non-life threatening emergencies after being trampled at the vigil.
According to reports, the shooting may have been the result of a dispute Hussle had with Holder prior to the fatal shooting on Sunday. Authorities stated in a press release on Tuesday, April 2, that Holder is also a gang member. Hours before the tragedy, the rapper tweeted Sunday morning, “Having Strong Enemies Is A Blessings.”
Hussle was passionate about ending gang violence in his community for Black and Latinos. He was scheduled to meet with the City’s Commission President Steve Soboroff Monday to discuss possible approaches to resolve gang-violence in South Los Angeles.
The rapper was formerly affiliated with the “Rolling 60s gang” which is also allegedly connected to the Crips. He released his first mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1, in 2005, at 20 years old and dedicated to living up to the name he chose, “Hussle.”
Hussle’s proactive lifestyle aimed to change how people of color see themselves in a world, and he begin separating himself from gang-life to support community activism. He started to empower and employ underprivileged groups through real estate investments, science and tech learning centers for teens, and other efforts in the inner-city of Los Angeles.
He owned several businesses including a Fat Burger restaurant in the South Los Angeles area, a barbershop, and a seafood market.
“I just want to give back in an effect way,” the rapper said last year in a press conference. Hussle leaves behind two children, and his girlfriend, actress Lauren London.
The LAPD reported 10 homicides in South Los Angeles and 20 shootings in the region since Sunday. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the South Bureau Homicide at 323-786-5100.
Written By Sanestina Hunter