LAPD ARREST SUSPECT IN RAPPER’S SHOOTING MURDER
LOS Angeles police said yesterday they had arrested the man suspected of murdering rapper Nipsey Hussle, ending a two-day manhunt following the Grammy-nominated artist’s shock death.
The LAPD said the suspect, Eric Holder, was in police custody in connection with the fatal shooting, which authorities say was not gang-related.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who had blamed “senseless gun violence” for the death of 33-year-old Hussle, voiced hope for “justice that Nipsey’s family and community deserve” as the arrest was announced.
The killing in broad daylight triggered an outpouring of grief in LA and among Hussle’s superstar peers, who hailed both his musical talents and tireless community organising.
Earlier on Tuesday, LA police chief Michel Moore said Holder, 29, had verbally sparred with Hussle in front of the rapper’s clothing store in south Los Angeles on Sunday.
“Holder walked up on multiple occasions and engaged in conversations” with Hussle, Mr Moore said. The suspect then “came back armed with a handgun” and fired several times at close range, hitting Hussle in the head and body.