Father sentenced to 31 years to life for sending son to rob and kill rapper PnB Rock

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A tragic story unfolded in a Los Angeles courtroom as Freddie Trone, 42, was sentenced to 31 years to life in prison for orchestrating the robbery and murder of rapper PnB Rock. The incident, which took place at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in South Los Angeles in September 2022, resulted in the untimely death of the 30-year-old hip-hop star, whose real name was Rakim Allen.

Trone’s 17-year-old son, who carried out the robbery and fatal shooting, was also involved in the crime but is currently deemed incompetent to stand trial and is in the custody of the juvenile system. The court found that the teen was acting under his father’s orders when he committed the heinous act.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Trone was the mastermind behind the robbery and murder, while the defense claimed he was only an accessory after the fact. Trone’s attorney, Winston McKesson, expressed disagreement with the judge’s decision and plans to appeal the sentence.

The sentencing hearing was emotional, with Deannea Allen, PnB Rock’s mother, traveling from Philadelphia to deliver a statement in court. She expressed disbelief at Trone’s actions, stating, “I do not understand how a parent could directly put their child in danger. I just can’t comprehend it. That one action had a ripple effect, and it has ruined many lives.”

PnB Rock was known for his hit songs like “Selfish” and collaborations with artists like YFN Lucci and Ed Sheeran. His tragic death has left a void in the music industry and in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans. District Attorney George Gascón extended his condolences to the Allen family, emphasizing the senseless violence that took the life of a talented artist.