On Wednesday, a verdict was reached in PnB Rock’s murder case where a fatal robbery took place at a Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles restaurant in Los Angeles.
According to a new report by Rolling Stone, Freddie Trone, 42, was convicted of felony murder, robbery, and conspiracy for orchestrating the robbery that led to the death of rapper PnB Rock. Trone’s 17-year-old son was sent into the restaurant armed, while Trone served as the getaway driver. His accomplice, Tremont Jones, 46, was also found guilty of robbery and conspiracy for his role in the crime.
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Prosecutors claimed that Jones was responsible for informing Trone about the rapper’s presence at the restaurant with his fiancée and valuable jewelry. The jury deliberated for less than four hours before reaching their decision. The news outlet also spoke to PnB Rock’s who said she was “elated” about the verdict. “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.”
According to jury foreperson Edwin Lovo in an interview with Rolling Stone, the panel consisting of four women and eight men closely examined surveillance footage of a Buick Enclave that transported the suspected teenage shooter to the location and later picked him up. Despite Trone’s testimony claiming he was not in the vehicle at the time, the jury focused on the video showing the car fleeing the scene and were able to identify Trone as the driver based on his attire. Lovo stated that they had a clear view confirming it was indeed Trone behind the wheel.
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During closing arguments this week, Deputy District Attorney Timothy Richardson asserted that Trone was well aware of his son’s dangerous nature when planning the robbery that tragically escalated into violence. In contrast, Trone’s defense attorney, Winston McKesson, contended that the father had been present at Roscoe’s just before the incident to promote his beauty supply store and purchase marijuana. McKesson further argued that Trone’s son had taken his car keys from the beauty supply shop without his father’s knowledge and subsequently arrived at the scene of the crime.