In a high-profile case that captivated the public’s attention, Freddie Trone, 42, was found guilty by a Los Angeles jury on Wednesday for orchestrating the murder of Philadelphia rapper PnB Rock. The verdict came after a grueling trial where Trone was charged with multiple offenses, including murder, two counts of second-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery.
The tragic incident unfolded in September 2022 at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, a popular Los Angeles eatery. PnB Rock, whose real name is Rakim Hasheem Allen, was dining with his girlfriend and their four-year-old child when a masked 17-year-old assailant, allegedly dispatched by Trone, entered the restaurant. The assailant demanded the rapper’s jewelry and, upon receiving no immediate compliance, opened fire.
According to authorities, the assailant fled the scene with stolen items and was picked up by a getaway car driven by Trone. PnB Rock sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a local hospital within an hour of the shooting.
Prosecutors presented a case alleging that the teenager was acting under his father’s explicit instructions. They argued that the motive behind the crime was the acquisition of jewelry valued at approximately $500,000. The prosecution detailed that Tremont Jones, another individual involved in the case, had informed Trone about the rapper’s jewelry, which played a pivotal role in the crime.
The defense team for Trone, however, contended that he was merely an accessory after the fact, asserting that he was not present during the robbery and did not direct his son to commit the crime. They argued that racial bias influenced the prosecution’s focus and Trone’s conviction.
The 19-year-old assailant, who was also charged with murder and robbery, has yet to stand trial due to competency issues. Tremont Jones was convicted on two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. Both Jones and Trone are scheduled for sentencing on August 27.
Deputy District Attorney Timothy Richardson emphasized during the trial that Trone’s actions were part of a coordinated effort to steal high-value jewelry, asserting that the case underscored the seriousness with which the justice system treats such crimes.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón remarked on the verdict, stating, “Justice has been served for Mr. Allen and his family who have endured unimaginable pain losing a loved one to such senseless violence. Let this serve as a clear message to anyone who threatens the safety and well-being of our community: our office will relentlessly pursue charges and work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”
The aftermath of the shooting left a profound impact on PnB Rock’s girlfriend, Stephanie Sibounheuang, who took to Instagram to express her grief, stating that PnB Rock saved her life during the attack. She described the harrowing experience of being separated from him and the deep void left in her life.
PnB Rock, known for his hit single “Selfish” and collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran, was mourned widely following his death. Tributes poured in from the music community, with Drake, Offset, and Nicki Minaj among those honoring the late rapper’s memory. PnB Rock, born in Philadelphia in 1991, released his final song, “Luv Me Again,” just two days before his tragic death.