The suspects in the murder of rapper PnB Rock have been found guilty on all counts after a relatively short deliberation by the jury.
Freddie Trone was found guilty of felony murder, two counts of robbery, and one count of conspiracy during court proceedings on Wednesday, August 7. Trone, the father of the 17-year-old alleged shooter who is currently deemed unfit for trial, acted as the getaway driver. He conspired with fellow suspect Tremont Jones, who was also found guilty of two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy.
The jury, comprising four women and eight men, took less than four hours to reach their decision.
PnB Rock’s mother, Deanna Allen, expressed her relief in a statement to Rolling Stone: “I’m elated. I wanted to jump up and scream, ‘Hallelujah.’ I’m so happy it was quick. We got justice for Rakim. I feel better knowing they’ll be in jail for a long time.”
Trone’s lawyer argued that there was no proof his client was at the crime scene, but the jury’s foreperson, Edwin Lovo, countered that surveillance video provided clear evidence.
“We could clearly see it was him,” Lovo said.
It was also noted that the initial theory—that the rapper’s girlfriend Stephanie Sibounheuang’s social media post placing her at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles led to Rock’s murder—was not the case.
“In terms of timing, it just wasn’t plausible,” Lovo explained.
Nicki Minaj had criticized Sibounheuang’s decision to share their location online ahead of the shooting. “After Pop Smoke there’s no way we as rappers or our loved ones are still posting locations to our whereabouts. To show waffles & some fried chicken????!” she wrote on Instagram. “He was such a pleasure to work with. Condolences to his mom & family. This makes me feel so sick. Jesus. #SIP #PnbRock.”
In contrast, Cardi B defended Sibounheuang at the time, saying: “I highly doubt nikkas was looking at PMB’s babymom IG. He was in a bad location and people stay outside plotting. It’s very irresponsible and inconsiderate to blame her for something so tragic. We should be sending nothing but love to her and his family at this time.”
