Hip-hop star A$AP Rocky has been acquitted of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm by a Los Angeles jury. The seven women and five men on the jury deliberated for only about three hours after three weeks of testimony and arguments. The verdict was reached by mid-afternoon, clearing Rocky of potential prison time of up to 24 years.
Deliberation Process and Verdict
The jury had to unanimously decide whether Rocky was guilty of firing two shots with a handgun at a former friend on a Hollywood street corner. They could acquit him if they believed he only fired blanks from a prop gun or if they found he was acting in self-defense. The jurors did not need to agree on their reasoning, only on the result. A mistrial was a possibility, but the jury quickly reached a consensus, leading to Rocky's acquittal.
Potential Prison Sentence
Each count carried a potential sentence of three to nine years in prison. If convicted, the judge would have determined whether a sentencing enhancement for personal use of a firearm applied, potentially leading to a maximum sentence of 24 years and four months. Rocky has been free on bail since his 2022 arrest and would have been taken into custody immediately if convicted.
Evidence Considered by Jurors
The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of the alleged victim and surveillance footage capturing the sound of shots being fired and the scuffle preceding the incident. Text messages sent by the victim before and after the incident were also presented. Defense witnesses, including members of Rocky's inner circle, testified that he carried a prop gun for security.
The swift acquittal of A$AP Rocky brings an end to a high-profile legal battle that has garnered significant attention. The hip-hop star can now move forward without the looming threat of a lengthy prison sentence hanging over him.
