A$AP Rocky has been found not guilty on two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm following an altercation
with his childhood friend and former bandmate, Terell Ephron—better known as A$AP Relli.
The verdict was delivered by a Los Angeles jury on Tuesday after five hours of deliberation, bringing an end to a high-profile case that had the rapper facing up to 24 years in prison.
Verdict Reached in High-Stakes Trial
The trial, which lasted nearly three weeks, concluded with the jury rejecting the prosecution’s case against the rapper, whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers.
While the prosecution had originally sought a potential maximum sentence, they clarified that they were requesting an eight-year prison term.
However, with the jury ruling in Rocky’s favor, he is now free to resume his life with his family.
Following the verdict, Rocky expressed his gratitude to the jurors, reportedly telling them, “Thank y’all for saving my life.” His attorney, Joe Tacopina, also issued a statement celebrating the outcome, calling it “the completion of the journey to justice.” Tacopina emphasized that the jury’s swift decision—delivered in under five hours—demonstrated the strength of the defense’s case and the weakness of the prosecution’s arguments.
“This was a charade of a case from the start,” Tacopina told Page Six. “Rocky and Rihanna now get to resume their life with their two young children and their family.”
A Contentious Legal Battle
The case stemmed from an alleged 2021 confrontation in Los Angeles between A$AP Rocky and A$AP Relli. Relli accused the rapper of pointing a gun at him during an argument, claiming that Rocky fired at him. Although he was not seriously injured, Relli testified that he was left shaken by the incident.
During the trial, Relli took the stand to assert that Rocky aimed the gun at his stomach and head before firing. He maintained that the rapper was responsible, telling the court, “It’s been three years. If he was innocent, he would be home a long time ago.” At one point, Relli even shouted at Rocky, “You did this to yourself!” prompting intervention from the judge.
The defense, led by Tacopina, countered these claims by arguing that Relli’s accusations were fueled by jealousy over Rocky’s success. The defense also suggested that if a weapon was involved, it was a starter pistol that only fired blanks.
Prosecution Responds to the Verdict
Following the jury’s decision, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman issued a statement acknowledging the verdict while standing by the prosecution’s efforts.
“While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system,” Hochman said. “Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence. Fame does not place anyone above the law, and we will not waver in our pursuit of justice for victims and the community.”
Despite the prosecution’s disappointment, the outcome is a significant legal victory for A$AP Rocky, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. He refused to accept a plea deal, a move that True Crime News host Ana Garcia previously described as a “gamble,” though she had expressed confidence in the rapper’s defense.
Moving Forward
With the trial behind him, Rocky can now focus on his personal and professional life. His longtime partner, Rihanna, was by his side throughout the case, even bringing their two young children—RZA, 2, and Riot, 1—to court in support of their father.
As he walks away from the legal battle unscathed, the rapper is expected to return to his music career, putting this high-profile case behind him.
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