A$AP Rocky could face 24 years in prison as assault trial begins in LA
A$AP Rocky could face 24 years in prison as assault trial begins in LA
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Rapper has pleaded not guilty on two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, in trial that is expected to last three weeks. A$AP Rocky’s assault trial began in LA on Friday (24 January), with the rapper potentially facing 24 years in prison if found guilty.
The rapper, real name Rakim Mayers, is accused of firing a gun at a former friend – Relli, born Terell Ephron – in a November 2021 incident. Mayers has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. On Tuesday, the 36-year-old declined a plea offer from prosecutors who recommended a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation and 180 days in jail in exchange for a guilty plea.
Mayers, who has maintained his innocence throughout legal proceedings, could face up to 24 years in prison if he is convicted. On the first day of the trial, which is expected to last three weeks, Mayers’ lawyer said he fired blank shots from a prop gun in order to protect his friend.
Jurors were shown CCTV, which a prosecutor argued made it clear the musician had fired a gun at Ephron outside a parking garage in Hollywood. But Mayers’ attorney, Joe Tacopina, said in the defence opening statement that the footage is meaningless without the testimony of the accuser, Ephron, who he argued is motivated by "jealousy, lies and greed". He told the court: "This case rises or falls on his credibility.".
