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Man sentenced to prison in killing of rapper PnB Rock’ at LA restaurant – NBC Los Angeles

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Man sentenced to prison in killing of rapper PnB Rock’ at LA restaurant – NBC Los Angeles


A 42-year-old man convicted in the robbery and shooting death of rapper PnB Rock at a South Los Angeles restaurant was sentenced Monday to just over 31 years to life in prison.

Freddie Trone was convicted Aug. 7 of murder and conspiracy to commit robbery, along with two counts of second-degree robbery involving the 30-year-old rapper and his fiancé.

Tremont Jones, 46, who was convicted of two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery — but who was not charged with murder in the case — was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The defendants were charged along with Trone’s then-17-year-old son. His case is currently in juvenile court while he undergoes treatment to determine if he can be found mentally competent to stand trial.

PnB Rock, whose real name is Rakim Allen, was shot once in the chest and two times in the back by an assailant in a ski mask who demanded his jewelry and threatened to kill the rapper’s girlfriend while the two were eating lunch on Sept. 12, 2022, at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles on West Manchester Avenue.

Deputy District Attorney Timothy Richardson told the jury that Trone “sent his son out on a coordinated act to rob watches, rings and chains off of a person.”

Defense attorney Winston McKesson countered that Trone’s teenage son acted independently from his dad and that the “only conclusion that is consistent with justice is that Freddie Trone is not guilty of these charges.” The prosecutor told jurors that the motive for the crime was “about a half a million dollars worth of jewelry,” arguing that Trone drove his son to and from the restaurant but never set foot inside the business himself while the rapper was there.

The prosecution stated that Jones fist-bumped the rapper at the restaurant and then passed information on to Trone about what jewelry the entertainer was wearing.

Richardson noted “how difficult it is to accept that a father would put his son up to this.”

The prosecutor told jurors that Trone, his son and Jones had coordinated actions that were not a coincidence.”

Trone vigorously proclaimed his innocence from the witness stand, telling jurors, “I wasn’t there. I didn’t tell nobody to do nothing.”

Trone testified that his son and his own vehicle went missing, and that he subsequently found his son in the vehicle with three other “youngsters.” Trone’s attorney said there was no evidence of a conspiracy to rob the rapper and accused investigators of making up their minds about “who they thought was guilty” and “looking only for evidence that pointed to guilt” while ignoring anything that pointed to his client’s innocence.

The defense attorney told reporters outside court that he believes his client wouldn’t have been charged with murder had he not lived in the area and been African-American, saying that he would have been charged with being an accessory after the fact if it had happened in Beverly Hills. After the verdict, McKesson told City News Service that he was disappointed with the trial’s outcome.

“I think the problem is whenever you have a Black man charged in a violent crime and no African Americans on the jury, it is a major problem,” he said. “Because all non-Black people — no matter what their race — view Black men as dangerous.”

The attorney said he would appeal on behalf of Trone.

Trone’s son was arrested in September 2022, and his father was subsequently arrested in Las Vegas and returned to Los Angeles County in October 2022, while Jones was taken into custody in May 2023, according to jail records.

PnB Rock, from Philadelphia, gained initial recognition for his 2016 single, “Selfish,” which sold more than 2 million copies.



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Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles

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Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles


The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.

Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.

“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.

Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.

“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.

CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.

“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.

The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.

“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”



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7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles

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7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles


7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies. 

From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.

Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.

The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens. 

“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.” 

Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.

“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”  

Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences. 

In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches. 



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Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles

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Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles


A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies. 

The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year. 

At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft. 

They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes. 

Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.

“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.” 



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