Jury Reaches Verdict in A$AP Rocky’s Hollywood Shooting Trial \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jurors in Los Angeles have reached a verdict in the trial of A$AP Rocky, who faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm for allegedly shooting at former friend A$AP Relli in 2021. After three weeks of testimony, deliberations lasted only three hours. If convicted, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison. The verdict will be read Tuesday afternoon.
A$AP Rocky Trial Verdict Reached: Quick Look
- Jury Decision: Los Angeles jurors deliberated for just three hours before reaching a unanimous verdict.
- Serious Charges: Rocky faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
- Potential Sentence: A conviction could result in up to 24 years in prison.
- Key Witness: Former friend A$AP Relli claims Rocky fired two shots at him, grazing his knuckles.
- Defense Argument: Rocky allegedly fired blanks from a prop gun picked up from a music video set.
- Rihanna’s Presence: His longtime partner Rihanna, with whom he shares two sons, attended most of the trial.
- What’s Next: The verdict will be read in court Tuesday afternoon, where Rocky could be taken into custody if found guilty.
Deep Look
Jury Deliberates Just Three Hours Before Verdict
After three weeks of testimony and arguments, a jury in Los Angeles reached a verdict in the trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, who is accused of firing a gun at his former friend, A$AP Relli, during a 2021 dispute on a Hollywood street.
The jury of seven women and five men deliberated for only three hours before making a unanimous decision. The verdict will be publicly read Tuesday afternoon in a downtown L.A. courtroom, where Rocky could be immediately taken into custody if convicted.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to Rocky’s high-profile career, his longtime relationship with Rihanna, and the serious nature of the charges.
Charges and Potential Sentence
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison. However, the jury was also instructed to consider self-defense, meaning an acquittal remains a possibility.
Prosecution’s Case: A$AP Relli as Key Witness
Prosecutors allege that Rocky twice fired a gun at his former longtime friend and fellow A$AP Mob member, A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), during a heated altercation in Hollywood in November 2021.
Relli testified that he had met with Rocky to resolve business disputes, but the situation escalated. He claims Rocky drew a firearm and fired two shots, one of which grazed his knuckles.
Despite the alleged shooting, Relli was not seriously injured, and there was no police report filed at the time. However, he later filed a civil lawsuit against Rocky in 2022, which ultimately led to criminal charges.
Rocky’s Defense: Blanks, Not Bullets
Rocky’s defense team pushed back, arguing that:
- He did not fire live rounds but rather blanks from a prop gun that he had picked up from a music video set.
- The alleged gunfire was staged and not intended to cause harm.
- Relli’s claims were exaggerated and motivated by financial gain, pointing to the fact that he filed a lawsuit before the criminal case began.
The jury was also instructed that they could find Rocky not guilty if they believed he was acting in self-defense.
Rihanna’s Courtroom Presence
Throughout the trial, Rocky had the support of his longtime partner, global music icon Rihanna. The two, both 36 years old, share two toddler sons.
Rihanna attended much of the trial, even bringing their children to closing arguments last week. However, it remains unclear whether she will be present in the courtroom for the reading of the verdict.
What Happens Next?
With the verdict set to be read this afternoon, the key question is whether Rocky will be:
- Convicted and taken into custody immediately.
- Acquitted and free to walk out of court.
- Given a lesser charge with reduced sentencing implications.
Regardless of the outcome, the verdict will likely have major personal and professional consequences for the Grammy-nominated rapper, fashion mogul, and actor.
Trial Background and Public Reaction
This case has been closely watched by fans, legal analysts, and the hip-hop community. Given Rocky’s past legal troubles, including his high-profile 2019 assault conviction in Sweden, the trial has raised questions about his legal future and career trajectory.
Public reaction has been divided, with some fans supporting Rocky, believing he has been wrongfully accused, while others side with Relli, who claims he was intimidated and endangered by someone he once considered a friend.
Final Thoughts: A Case That Could Shape Rocky’s Future
With the jury reaching a verdict in just three hours, it signals that jurors may have found the evidence compelling in one direction.
If convicted, Rocky’s legal team will likely appeal, but an immediate prison sentence could dramatically impact his career, family life, and public image.
For now, all eyes remain on the Los Angeles courtroom, where Rocky’s fate will be sealed this afternoon.
