Rapper Silento arrested for the murder of his own cousin

A rapper who shot to fame as a teenager responsible for one of the biggest global hits of 2015 has been arrested for an alleged brutal murder.

The 23-year-old rapper known as Silento, who released hit track ‘Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)’ in 2015, has been arrested for the alleged murder of his own cousin.

The musician, real name Ricky Hawk, was arrested and taken into custody by the DeKalb County Police Department today in relation to the death of his cousin Frederick Rooks on January 21.

Silento, legal name Richard Lamar "Ricky" Hawk, is seen in a police booking photo after his arrest on murder charges February 1, 2021 in DeKalb County, Georgia. Picture: Getty

“Today, Ricky Hawk, 23, was arrested for the murder of his cousin Frederick Rooks, 34. On January 21, the DeKalb County Police Department investigated Rooks’ death after he was found shot on Deep Shoals Circle. Hawk is in the DeKalb County Jail charged with murder,” a tweet from the DKPD read.

RELATED: Beyonce’s ‘rapper cousin’ shot dead

Today, Ricky Hawk, 23, was arrested for the murder of his cousin Frederick Rooks, 34. On January 21, the DeKalb County Police Department investigated Rooks' death after he was found shot on Deep Shoals Circle. Hawk is in the DeKalb County Jail charged with Murder. #WeAreDKPD pic.twitter.com/AfaA8CtXgx

— DeKalb County Police Department (@DeKalbCountyPD) February 1, 2021

According to police lieutenant Rod Bryant, units responded to a call after shots were fired at approximately 3.30am on January 21.

Rooks was found dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds, with the official police report claiming that eight bullet casings were found at the scene.

Silento in 2016. Picture: Getty

At the time, police had no information about the suspect.

Police spokeswoman Michaela Vincenttold the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today: “However, after a thorough investigation, DKPD detectives identified Hawk as Rooks’ cousin, and the person responsible for Rooks’ murder.”

The 23-year-old has had a number of run-ins with the law. Picture: Getty Images.

Hawk been arrested multiple times in recent months on charges related to domestic violence, weapons and speeding charges.

His hit track, Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2015, when he was still a teenager. It went 6 x platinum in the US, and was a 2 x platinum, top 10 single here in Australia. His most recent release was the single Swish on January 28. He also released an album, Skyrolyrics, in October 2020.

The rapper remains in police custody.