Suspect in Nipsey Hussle Murder in Custody

Following the fatal shooting of Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle in South Los Angeles on Sunday, police have confirmed suspect Eric Holder is in custody after being caught in the Bellflower area. Hussle, whose legal name was Ermias Asghedom, leaves behind his longtime girlfriend, actress Lauren London, and two children.

Hussle, who grew up in the Crenshaw neighborhood of South Los Angeles, was known as a pillar in his community. Following his success as a rapper, Hussle frequently gave back to the neighborhood he grew up in. He once gave a pair of shoes to every student at an elementary school in Hyde Park, and his death occurred one day before Hussle was set to meet with LAPD Chief Michel Moore and Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff to discuss ways to stop gang violence.

Hussle opened Vector 90, a shared workspace in South LA aimed at connecting kids from marginalized communities with tech opportunities in Silicon Valley. He bought a strip mall in Hyde Park and opened a burger restaurant, a fish market, and a barbershop. Hussle was shot in front of the Marathon Clothing store, which he owned.

There are conflicting reports about whether the shooting was gang-related. Hussle had been open about his previous affiliation with the Rollin 60’s, an LA-area gang connected to the Crips. After distancing himself from the gang, Hussle advocated against gang and gun violence in Los Angeles.

Law enforcement confirmed Eric Holder is a gang member, but have classified the shooting as the result of a “personal matter” between Holder and Hussle. Holder is believed to have walked up to Hussle and three other men as they stood outside the store at approximately 3:20 on Sunday. After engaging in a conversation, Holder left briefly and then walked back to the group with a handgun and fired multiple shots, killing Hussle and wounding two others. He then escaped to a getaway car parked in a nearby alley.

Police identified Holder as a suspect after the female driver of the getaway car turned herself in to authorities. He was caught in Bellflower and taken into custody.

Fans and celebrities alike have mourned Hussle’s untimely death. Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Rihanna, Drake, Pharrell, and J. Cole, among others, have all publicly paid respects. A large vigil was held for Hussle outside of Marathon Clothing on Monday night, which resulted in multiple injuries after a stampede broke out. According to authorities, panic broke out in the group after an unidentified individual brandished a handgun. The injuries were caused by people falling as they fled.

Authorities have not specified the details of the alleged dispute between Holder and Hussle. Hussle is one of 26 shooting victims in Los Angeles over the past week and 10 homicides.