A Los Angeles jury found Freddie Trone, 42, guilty of multiple charges, including murder, for orchestrating the killing of rapper PnB Rock. Trone was convicted of sending his 17-year-old son to rob and kill the Philadelphia hip-hop star in September 2022.
The crime
PnB Rock was dining at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles with his girlfriend when Trone’s son, masked and armed, demanded the rapper’s jewelry and opened fire. The teen fled with the stolen items in a getaway car driven by Trone. PnB Rock succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital shortly after.
Trone’s defense team argued he wasn’t there and never told his son or anyone to do anything. His attorney claimed prosecutors had zeroed in on the wrong person and said race played a part in his conviction, Fox 11 reported.
Additional arrests
Trone’s son, now 19, faces murder and robbery charges but has been deemed incompetent to stand trial. Tremont Jones, another accomplice, was found guilty of robbery and conspiracy. Both Jones and Trone will be sentenced on August 27.
Deputy District Attorney Timothy Richardson described Trone’s actions as a coordinated effort to steal jewelry. District Attorney Gascón emphasized the commitment to justice, saying, “Justice has been served for Mr. Allen and his family who have endured unimaginable pain.”
Stephanie Sibounheuang, PnB Rock’s girlfriend, credited the rapper with saving her life during the attack. In an emotional Instagram post, she described the traumatic experience and her heartbreak for their children.
PnB Rock, born Rakim Hasheem Allen, rose to fame with his 2016 hit “Selfish” and collaborated with artists like Ed Sheeran. Tributes poured in from the music community, including Drake and Nicki Minaj. The rapper’s final song, “Luv Me Again,” was released just two days before his death.