The music world was shaken in September 2022 when rapper PnB Rock was tragically gunned down at a Los Angeles Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. Nearly two years later, justice has been served as Freddy Lee Trone was found guilty of felony murder in connection with the rapper’s death.
The PnB Rock Murder: A Timeline of Events
On September 12, 2022, Rakim Allen, known professionally as PnB Rock, was enjoying lunch with his fiancée at a Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles in South Los Angeles. Their meal took a devastating turn when a robber approached their table and demanded jewelry and other valuables.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), a verbal altercation ensued before the robber opened fire inside the restaurant. PnB Rock was tragically struck multiple times and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The Investigation and Arrests
The brazen nature of the murder sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community and beyond. The LAPD launched a full-scale investigation, hoping that the rapper’s distinctive diamond-encrusted chain, stolen during the robbery, would help crack the case.
Within two weeks of the murder, authorities apprehended two suspects: a teenage boy, believed to be the shooter, and his 32-year-old stepmother, Shantel Trone, arrested on suspicion of accessory to murder. The search continued for a third suspect, Shantel Trone’s husband and the alleged shooter’s father, Freddy Lee Trone.
On September 29, 2022, an FBI fugitive task force located and arrested Freddy Lee Trone in Las Vegas. He was charged with one count of murder, two counts of second-degree robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery—the same charges as his son.
The investigation continued to uncover more individuals connected to the crime. Draymond Jones and Shauntel Trone were also charged with robbery, with Jones accused of being present during the planning of the robbery and providing the firearm. Shauntel Trone faced charges of accessory after the fact for allegedly aiding Freddy Lee Trone in fleeing the state.
Unraveling the Details: Witness Testimonies and Key Evidence
As the trial unfolded, the prosecution presented a compelling case, relying heavily on witness testimonies and surveillance footage.
Shantel Trone, the alleged shooter’s stepmother, revealed chilling details during her testimony. She claimed to have witnessed her stepson cleaning PnB Rock’s diamond-encrusted pendant just hours after the murder. This testimony, along with text messages retrieved from her phone, added weight to the prosecution’s case against Freddy Lee Trone.
Perhaps the most damning evidence came from surveillance footage that placed Freddy Lee Trone at the Roscoe’s parking lot minutes before the murder, contradicting his earlier claims of not being present. Additional footage captured him dropping off his son near the restaurant and picking him up shortly after, further solidifying his role in the crime.
The Verdict and What’s Next
After a trial that captivated the nation, the jury reached a verdict on July 20, 2023. Freddy Lee Trone was found guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery in connection with the death of PnB Rock. Draymond Jones, Trone’s co-defendant, was also found guilty of second-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.
The guilty verdict brought a wave of relief and closure to PnB Rock’s family, friends, and fans. The rapper’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence.
The Legacy of PnB Rock
While justice has been served, the music world still mourns the loss of PnB Rock, a talented artist with a promising future. He was more than just a rapper; he was a father, a friend, and a beloved figure in the hip-hop community.
As the sentencing phase approaches, the focus shifts to remembering PnB Rock for his contributions to music and his impact on those who knew him best. His legacy will live on through his music, and his untimely death will continue to spark conversations about gun violence and its devastating effects.