Man Sentenced for Sending Son to Rob and Kill Celeb Rapper PnB Rock

Freddie Trone, 42, has been sentenced to 31 years to life in prison after being convicted of orchestrating the robbery and murder of rapper PnB Rock, whose legal name was Rakim Allen. Trone was found guilty in August of one count of murder, two counts of robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. The sentencing took place on Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, presided over by Judge Connie Quinones.

The crime occurred in September 2022 at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in South Los Angeles, where PnB Rock was dining with the mother of his 4-year-old daughter. During the meal, Trone’s then-17-year-old son entered the restaurant, approached Allen, and demanded his jewelry. When Allen refused, the teenager shot and killed him, making off with the jewelry. The prosecution argued that Trone had sent his son to commit the robbery, while the defense claimed that Trone was merely an accessory after the fact, asserting that he had no knowledge his son was armed or that a murder would take place.

Despite the defense’s efforts, the jury found Trone responsible, and he was sentenced accordingly. His attorney, Winston McKesson, has expressed dissatisfaction with the sentencing, stating that the judge did not fully explain why Trone was deemed a “major participant” in the crime. McKesson also noted that there was no concrete evidence presented in court proving that Trone had premeditated the killing or that he knew his son was carrying a weapon. Additionally, McKesson raised concerns about the jury conducting its own investigation by slowing down video evidence that was shown in real time during the trial. McKesson plans to file an appeal.

Rakim Allen’s mother, Deannea Allen, traveled from Philadelphia to deliver a victim impact statement in court. She expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her son and criticized Trone’s actions, particularly the decision to involve his own child in such a violent crime. She described Rakim as the “shining light” of her family, whose death has had a devastating ripple effect.

Trone’s son, now 19, was also charged with murder but remains in the custody of the juvenile system. A judge has determined that he is currently not competent to stand trial. PnB Rock was a celebrated rapper known for his hit songs like “Selfish” and collaborations with artists such as Ed Sheeran and Chance the Rapper. He was 30 years old at the time of his death.