The courtroom echoed with the verdict as Freddie Lee Trone, implicated in the tragic murder of rapper PnB Rock, was sentenced to 31 years to life. This major development comes after Trone was found guilty on all charges last month.
On Monday, September 23, Trone faced his fate for his role in the 2022 shooting that ended the life of PnB Rock. The 42-year-old orchestrated the hit and later became the getaway driver for his 17-year-old son, the alleged shooter.
The teenager, currently deemed unfit for trial, partnered with Trone in this grim act. However, Trone didn’t act alone; Tremont Jones, his co-conspirator, received a 12-year sentence for his involvement.
Trone’s conviction included felony murder, two counts of robbery, and one count of conspiracy. Jones, meanwhile, was found guilty on two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy, solidifying their roles in the crime.
PnB Rock’s mother, Deanna Allen, expressed her relief following the verdict. ‘I’m elated. I wanted to jump up and scream,
Hallelujah.
I’m so happy it was quick. We got justice for Rakim. I feel better knowing they’ll be in jail for a long time,’ she told Rolling Stone.
Trone’s defense attempted to argue his absence from the crime scene, but the jury wasn’t convinced. Jury foreperson Edwin Lovo highlighted surveillance footage that clearly identified Trone as culpable.
One significant detail debunked was the blame placed on PnB Rock’s girlfriend, Stephanie Sibounheuang. Initial speculations pointed to her social media post at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles as the cause, but Lovo confirmed the timeline didn’t support this theory.
Even prominent artists weighed in. Nicki Minaj criticized the decision to share their location online, referencing past incidents. Conversely, Cardi B defended Sibounheuang, stating it was unreasonable to blame her for the tragic event and emphasized sending love to her and Rock’s family.
Justice has been served in the eyes of the court and PnB Rock’s family with the sentencing of Freddie Lee Trone and Tremont Jones. As the legal chapter closes, the memory of PnB Rock continues to resonate throughout the hip-hop community.
