Nipsey Hussle's shooter has been found guilty of murder

The shooter of Nipsey Hussle, Eric Ronald Holder Jr, has been found guilty of first-degree murder by a Los Angeles County jury.

In addition, Holder was charged with two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for the shooting's other two victims. He could face a maximum of life imprisonment - and his sentencing is scheduled for September 15.

Before reaching judgement, the Los Angeles County jury debated for almost six hours over two days before making a decision yesterday (6 July).

Nispey Hussle, legal name Ermias Asghedom, died on March 31 2019 after being shot outside his clothing store, The Marathon, at 3.20:PM. Hussle was rushed to the hospital shortly after where he was pronounced dead.

Holder's lawyer, Aaron Jansen, made an effort to persuade the jury that his client should be charged with voluntary manslaughter because he acted in the moment of "a heat of passion."

The two males, who had been in the same South Los Angeles street gang, had known each other for years and allegedly got into a fight that ended with a gunshot.

Holder's attorney said that after Hussle accused him of being a "snitch" outside the rapper's apparel store in Los Angeles, Holder left and later returned with a pistol that was used to kill Hussle.

Prosecutor John McKinney claims that Hussle's shooting was meticulously planned and was not carried out as a result of irrational rage. He said: “We have a step-by-step methodically carried out plan to return to that parking lot and kill. It’s not done in the heat of passion, in fact, it’s done 10 minutes after the conversation, in fact it’s done after he shakes Nipsey Hussle’s hand.”

The New York Times reports that the Jury agreed with the Los Angeles County prosecutors - that Holder went back to his car, loaded a revolver, ate a few fries, and then marched back through the parking lot to threaten and kill Hussle.

Holder was also found guilty on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession.

Hussle died at age 33, just after he had received his first Grammy nomination. He has previously collaborated with Rick Ross ('Proud Of That'), Kendrick Lamar ('Dedication') and Snoop Dogg ('Snitches Ain't').

Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter