Freddie Trone, a 42-year-old man, has been sentenced to 31 years to life in prison for sending his 17-year-old son to rob and kill rapper PnB Rock. The incident occurred at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in South Los Angeles in September 2022, where the teenager shot the Philadelphia hip-hop star while robbing him of his jewelry. Trone was convicted of one count of murder, two counts of robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. The prosecution argued that Trone was acting on his father’s orders, while the defense claimed Trone was only an accessory after the fact. District Attorney George Gascón offered condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Rakim Allen, also known as PnB Rock, stating that his life was cut short by an act of violence.
Trone’s attorney, Winston McKesson, disagreed with the judge’s decision and plans to appeal the sentence. McKesson argued that there was no evidence that Trone was involved in planning the killing or knew that his son was armed. He also criticized the handling of the evidence during the trial, alleging that the jury violated the judge’s instructions by conducting their own investigation, including slowing down video evidence shown in real time. Despite the sentencing, McKesson maintains that Trone was not a major participant in the crime.
Deannea Allen, PnB Rock’s mother, traveled from Philadelphia to give a statement in court, expressing her disbelief at how a parent could put their child in danger. She described the ripple effect of the crime, noting that it had ruined many lives. PnB Rock’s family considered him a shining light, stating that he was a star to them. Trone’s 19-year-old son, who was also charged with murder, is currently in the custody of the juvenile system. A judge has deemed him not competent to stand trial at this time. The AP typically does not name minors who are accused of crimes.
PnB Rock, best known for his 2016 hit “Selfish” and collaborations with other artists like YFN Lucci and Ed Sheeran, was 30 years old at the time of his death. The rapper’s untimely passing has left a void in the music industry and among his fans. Despite the sentencing of Trone, the aftermath of the crime continues to impact the lives of those connected to PnB Rock and his family. The legal proceedings surrounding the case have shed light on the complexities of the justice system and the consequences of criminal actions.
As Trone faces the consequences of his role in the robbery and murder of PnB Rock, the victim’s loved ones are left to grieve his loss and come to terms with the tragedy. The sentencing marks a form of closure for some, but the emotional wounds caused by the crime are likely to persist. PnB Rock’s legacy lives on through his music and the memories shared by those who knew him. The criminal justice system continues to grapple with cases of violence and its impact on communities, highlighting the need for prevention and intervention to address the root causes of such crimes. As the legal process unfolds, the memory of PnB Rock serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the devastating consequences of senseless violence.
