DeKalb County, GA — Ricky Hawk, better known as Silento, has been arrested and is accused of murdering his cousin.

DeKalb County Police announced the arrest on Feb. 1.

“Today, Ricky Hawk, 23, was arrested for the murder of Frederick Rooks, 34. On January 21, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the DeKalb County Police Department investigated a shooting after Rooks was found in the roadway on Deep Shoals Circle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds,” a spokesperson for the Police Department said. “He was pronounced deceased on the scene.  The suspect at the time was unknown.  However, after a thorough investigation, DKPD detectives identified Hawk as Rooks’ cousin, and the person responsible for Rooks’ murder. Investigators are still working to uncover the motive for the shooting.”

He remains in DeKalb County jail and is charged with murder. The Atlanta Journal Constitution confirmed that Hawk is Silento, best known for his hit  “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).”

The AJC also reports he has had other run-ins with the law in recent months. To read the full story, click here.

According to the incident report, officers responded to the scene of the murder in the early morning hours of Jan. 21.

“Upon my arrival, I observed a Black male, later identified as Frederick Rooks, laying in the roadway,” the incident report said. “Mr. Rooks had multiple gunshot wounds to the face and leg, bleeding severely and did not appear to be breathing. I observed at least eight bullet casings in the street around Mr. Rooks.”

Officers were able to obtain Ring video footage from several homes that showed several vehicles fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. The video captured at least one gun shot and one of the vehicles honking its horn before fleeing.

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