The Final Truth: 5 Key Facts About Who Shot Nipsey Hussle And The Killer's Last Appeal

The tragic murder of Nipsey Hussle on March 31, 2019, sent shockwaves through the music industry and the South Los Angeles community, robbing the world of a visionary artist, entrepreneur, and activist. Nearly six years later, as of December 15, 2025, the legal saga surrounding his death has reached its definitive conclusion, confirming the fate of the man responsible for the senseless violence.

This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date look at the case, detailing the identity of the shooter, the chilling motive, the dramatic trial, and the final, confirmed status of the killer's prison sentence, which was recently cemented by California’s highest court. The long road to justice for Ermias Asghedom, known globally as Nipsey Hussle, has finally ended with the conviction and upheld sentence of his murderer.

The Victims and The Killer: A Complete Profile

Nipsey Hussle (Ermias Joseph Asghedom) Biography

• Full Name: Ermias Joseph Asghedom
• Born: August 15, 1985, in Los Angeles, California
• Died: March 31, 2019 (Age 33)
• Origin: Father was an Eritrean immigrant, mother is African American.
• Career Highlights: Gained prominence with his *Bullets Ain't Got No Name* mixtape series. Known for his innovative "Proud2Pay" marketing strategy, selling his *Crenshaw* mixtape for $100. His debut studio album, *Victory Lap* (2018), earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
• Activism & Legacy: A passionate community activist and entrepreneur. He co-founded The Marathon Clothing store on Slauson Avenue in his Crenshaw neighborhood, intending to revitalize the area and promote black ownership. His mantra, "The Marathon Continues," became a symbol of persistence.
• Personal Life: In a long-term relationship with actress Lauren London, with whom he had a son.

Eric R. Holder Jr. Biography (The Convicted Shooter)

• Full Name: Eric Ronald Holder Jr.
• Age: 33 at the time of sentencing (born circa 1989/1990).
• Background: A former aspiring rapper and a fellow member of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips gang, the same gang Hussle was affiliated with.
• Conviction: First-degree murder of Nipsey Hussle and two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter (for two bystanders who were wounded).
• Sentence: 60 years to life in state prison.

The Chilling Motive: A Conversation About "Snitching"

The entire, tragic incident was sparked by a brief, seemingly innocuous conversation between two men who had known each other for years. The shooting occurred outside Hussle's store, The Marathon Clothing, on West Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles.

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The prosecution successfully argued that the motive was rooted in a street-level accusation. Earlier that day, Nipsey Hussle, seeing Holder, approached him and mentioned a rumor that Holder had been "snitching" to authorities.

This accusation, which in gang culture is a profound and dangerous insult, enraged Holder. Holder left the area, but returned a short time later armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

The prosecutor stated that Holder's motive was to kill Hussle in a crime of passion and rage, triggered by the public humiliation of being called a snitch. Holder fired at least 10 rounds, striking Hussle multiple times in the head and torso. He also kicked the rapper before fleeing the scene, leaving two other men wounded.

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The Trial, Verdict, and 60-Year Sentence

The trial of Eric R. Holder Jr. began more than three years after the shooting, facing numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in defense attorneys.

The Defense Strategy

Deputy Public Defender Aaron Jansen admitted that Holder was the shooter but argued for a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, claiming the crime was committed in the "heat of passion" after Hussle’s accusation. The defense contended that Holder was provoked by the "snitching" comment, which he viewed as a threat to his life in the gang community.

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The Jury’s Decision

In July 2022, a Los Angeles County jury rejected the heat-of-passion argument. They found Eric R. Holder Jr. guilty of the most serious charge: first-degree murder of Nipsey Hussle. The jury also convicted him of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for the two bystanders who were shot and injured.

The Sentencing

In February 2023, Eric R. Holder Jr. was formally sentenced to 60 years to life in state prison. The sentence was structured as 25 years to life for the first-degree murder conviction, plus an additional 25 years because he used a firearm, and a further 10 years for the two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter. The judge noted that the total sentence ensures Holder will likely spend the rest of his life incarcerated, providing justice for the Hussle family and the community.

The Finality of Justice: Appeal Rejected and Conviction Upheld

The most current and definitive update in the case, which provides closure to the legal proceedings, involves the rejection of Eric Holder Jr.’s appeal.

The Appeal Process

Following his conviction, Holder's defense team filed an appeal, arguing that the trial court made errors, specifically regarding the exclusion of certain evidence and the handling of the defense’s argument about voluntary manslaughter.

In a significant ruling, the California Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and sentence, rejecting all of Holder’s arguments. The court found that the evidence overwhelmingly supported the first-degree murder conviction, noting the premeditation involved when Holder left the scene, armed himself, and returned specifically to carry out the attack.

California Supreme Court Refusal

Further cementing the finality of the case, the California Supreme Court officially declined to hear the appeal. This decision, which occurred in the recent past, marks the definitive end of the legal road for Eric R. Holder Jr. His 60-years-to-life sentence stands, confirming the first-degree murder conviction for the killing of Ermias Asghedom.

Nipsey Hussle's Enduring Legacy

While the legal process has concluded, Nipsey Hussle's impact on his community and the music world continues to grow. His dedication to economic empowerment, often referred to as "buying back the block," transcended his music career. Projects like Destination Crenshaw, a 1.3-mile-long open-air museum celebrating Black history and culture, are a testament to his vision.

His partner, Lauren London, and his family have worked tirelessly to keep his memory and mission alive through the Neighborhood Nip Foundation and the continued operation of The Marathon Clothing. The final court ruling provides a measure of peace, confirming that the person who took the life of the beloved rapper and activist will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The Marathon Continues, but the killer's marathon is now confined to a prison cell.