A Los Angeles jury has acquitted rapper A$AP Rocky of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, concluding a nearly month-long trial on Tuesday.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Date of Verdict: Tuesday, February 2025
Jury Reaches a Verdict in Just Three Hours
The jury deliberated for just three hours before reaching a not guilty verdict, clearing Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, of all charges.
“We said from day one, he was innocent. He turned down a plea for almost no jail time because he was innocent,” Rocky’s defense attorney Joe Tacopina told reporters.
Upon hearing the verdict, Rocky ran to embrace his longtime partner, Rihanna, who had been present in court throughout the trial.
The Allegations & Trial Details
Prosecutors alleged that Rocky:
- Pointed a firearm at former friend Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli) near a Hollywood hotel in November 2021.
- Fired two shots in Ephron’s direction, leaving him with bullet-graze wounds above his knuckles.
- Threatened to kill Ephron before the shooting.
The Defense’s Counterargument
- The defense argued that Rocky never had a real gun—only a prop gun that fired blanks for security purposes.
- They accused Ephron of fabricating evidence, committing perjury, and attempting to extort Rocky.
- Witnesses for the defense, including fellow A$AP Mob member A$AP Twelvyy, testified that they had seen Rocky carry a fake gun in the past.
Prosecution’s Case vs. Defense’s Evidence
Key Prosecution Evidence:
- Ephron’s testimony, claiming Rocky threatened to kill him and fired at him.
- Shell casings allegedly collected by Ephron after the shooting.
- Video footage showing parts of the confrontation.
Key Defense Arguments:
- Ephron allegedly fabricated the shell casings and planted evidence.
- A recording presented by the defense appeared to capture Ephron offering to drop the case for money.
- No police officers at the crime scene reported finding any shell casings initially.
Prosecution Stands by Their Case
Despite the verdict, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman maintained the prosecution’s stance:
“While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system. Fame does not place anyone above the law.”
