Freddie Lee Trone has been sentenced to 31 years to life in prison for orchestrating the murder of rapper PnB Rock, whose real name was Rakim Hasheem Allen, at a Los Angeles restaurant.
Trone was convicted last month of murder, robbery, and conspiracy after directing his 17-year-old son to rob and kill the artist in September 2022.
The tragic incident occurred at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in South Los Angeles, a popular spot for celebrities, where Allen was dining with his fiancée, Stephanie Sibounheuang, the mother of his young daughter.
The gunman, wearing a ski mask, entered the restaurant and immediately threatened Allen and his fiancée, demanding the rapper’s jewelry. When Allen refused, the assailant shot him multiple times, resulting in his death.
The chilling threat to Allen’s fiancée, “If you don’t give me the jewellery, I’m going to blow her head off,” highlighted the terrifying nature of the attack.
According to a post-mortem report, Allen suffered three gunshot wounds—one to the chest and two to the back—before the shooter fled with his jewelry.
Trone’s son, who carried out the shooting, has been deemed unfit for trial and remains in juvenile custody. Prosecutors argued that the teenager acted on his father’s direct orders, while Trone’s defense team, planning to appeal, claimed he was merely an accessory after the crime.
Despite this, Trone, who was linked to a South Los Angeles gang, was sentenced at Compton Courthouse. His involvement in the crime has devastated many lives, including those of Allen’s family and his fiancée, who recounted the traumatic event in court.
Allen’s mother, Deannea Allen, expressed her disbelief and pain during the trial, questioning how a parent could endanger their own child by involving them in such a violent act.
She spoke of the ripple effects of her son’s murder, noting how it has irreparably affected multiple families. District Attorney George Gascon echoed her sentiments, condemning the senseless violence that led to the loss of a young life, and stressing that no family should have to endure such suffering.
Trone’s son, now 19, was charged with murder but will remain in juvenile custody until he is considered competent to stand trial. The judge’s decision reflects the complexity of the case, given the teenager’s role and the influence exerted by his father.
Meanwhile, PnB Rock’s legacy as an artist remains significant; he was best known for his hit song “Selfish” and collaborations with artists like YFN Lucci and Ed Sheeran. His death marks a tragic end to a promising career.
Trone’s co-defendant, Tremont Jones, was also sentenced, receiving 12 years in prison for his involvement in the crime.
Jones was convicted of two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy, further illustrating the extensive criminal network surrounding the murder.
The case has brought attention to the devastating impact of gang violence and the tragic consequences of parental influence in criminal activities.
