Los Angeles, California – A man involved in the murder and robbery of Philadelphia rapper PnB Rock at a popular Los Angeles restaurant has been sentenced to 31 years to life in prison. Freddie Lee Trone, 42, was found guilty of murder, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery in the case. The sentencing was delivered by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Connie Quinones at the Compton Courthouse.
Trone had allegedly instructed his son, then 17, to rob the rapper while he was dining at Roscoe’s Chicken ’N Waffles in South Los Angeles on September 12, 2022. This tragic event led to the death of PnB Rock, whose real name was Rakim Hasheem Allen. The robber had approached PnB Rock, engaged in an argument, robbed him of his jewelry, and fatally shot him.
The teenager involved in the crime is currently facing murder charges and is being held in a juvenile facility due to concerns over his competency to stand trial. Trone’s defense attorney, Winston McKesson, stated intentions to appeal the conviction after sentencing, citing a lack of evidence linking his client to the crime. Despite this, Trone was sentenced for his involvement in the robbery and murder.
During the incident, PnB Rock had shared a video on social media showcasing a valuable watch, a possible motive for the robbery. Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore mentioned that a post on PnB Rock’s dining companion’s Instagram may have inadvertently revealed their location to the public. The extensive amount of jewelry taken from PnB Rock highlighted the violent nature of the robbery.
Trone, reported to be a member of a South Los Angeles gang, was not the only defendant sentenced in connection with the case. Tremont Jones received a 12-year prison sentence for his involvement in the robbery. Additionally, Shauntel Trone, Freddie Lee’s wife, pleaded no contest to being an accessory to the crime after the fact. The legal proceedings in her case are scheduled for a later date.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón emphasized that justice would prevail for PnB Rock’s loved ones, acknowledging the pain caused by his untimely death. This sentencing serves as a form of closure for those affected by the tragic loss of the talented rapper.