A look at jury deliberations at A$AP Rocky’s felony assault trialA$AP

 

A$AP Rocky listens to closing arguments during his trial in Los Angeles. (Pool photo via Patrick T. Fallon/AP)

The Los Angeles jury, consisting of seven women and five men, began deliberations in the morning following three weeks of testimony and arguments, concluding on Friday. By mid-afternoon, they reached a verdict.

semi-automatic firearm. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison. The 36-year-old Rakim Meyers, known professionally as A$AP Rocky, faces two felony counts of assault with a hip-hop artist, fashion designer, and actor is also known for his relationship with singer Rihanna, who attended much of the trial with their two young children, present at the closing arguments.

What Were the Jurors Deciding? 

The jurors had to decide unanimously whether A$AP Rocky was guilty of firing two shots at his former friend, A$AP Relli, at a Hollywood Street intersection on November 6, 2021.

They could acquit Rocky if they believed he fired blanks from a prop gun he was carrying for safety or if he acted in self-defense.

The jury didn’t have to agree on their reasoning, but they had to reach a decision on the outcome. Each charge corresponds to one shot fired. It would be unusual for them to convict him on one count and acquit him on the other. If the jury couldn't reach a consensus, a mistrial could be declared.

Possible Prison Sentence 

Each charge carries a sentence of three to nine years in prison. If convicted, the judge will decide if the enhanced sentence for personal firearm use applies, potentially increasing the prison time. The maximum possible sentence is 24 years and four months, according to the district attorney's office.

A$AP Rocky has been out on bail since his 2022 arrest. If convicted, he will likely be taken into custody immediately, though his attorneys could seek release pending sentencing. He rejected a pre-trial plea deal that would have resulted in just six months in prison.

The Evidence the Jury Saw 

The prosecution’s main evidence came from A$AP Relli's testimony. Surveillance footage recorded the sound of gunfire. Another camera captured a partial image of the confrontation leading up to the shooting, and a third camera recorded the incident, though the footage was blurry and only captured the edges of the event.

The jury also considered text messages Relli sent to Rocky and others before and after the shooting. Relli has filed a civil lawsuit, stating that he was more interested in monetary compensation from Rocky than in pursuing a criminal case.

Defense witnesses included two members of Rocky’s inner circle, who testified that he was carrying a prop gun at the time.