LAPD’s Police Chief Stresses He Doesn’t Believe Nipsey Hussle’s Murder Was Gang Related
Los Angeles Police Department’s Chief of Police, Chief Michel Moore stressed during LAPD’s live press conference today (Apr. 2) that he doesn’t believe Nipsey Hussle’s murder was gang-related.
LIVE: #LAPD Provides Update on the Nipsey Hussle Investigation and the Surge in Violence Within the City of L.A. https://t.co/GP27w1ZTxD
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) April 2, 2019
Moore said that LAPD believes that Eric Holder, the man who LAPD has identified as a suspect in the late Nipsey Hussle’s murder is a member of a street gang, which Moore refused to identify, but the aspect of the dispute that took place before Hussle was shot and killed isn’t about gang rivalry. Moore stated that it was a personal issue.
“I don’t want to undermine his [Nipsey Hussle] success by going into details,” Moore said.
Moore stated that LAPD’s current investigation of the slain rapper’s homicide is based on witness statements.
“We are currently working with the district attorney’s office to create a warrant for his [Eric Holder] arrest,” Moore said.
The Chief of Police went on to explain that Holder walked up to Nipsey Hussle on multiple occasions, engaging in conversation with the Victory Lap rapper. Holder then left and came back with a handgun. Moore confirmed that Holder was identified via video evidence.
Eric Holder is wanted for Homicide in the shooting of Nipsey Hussle. He was last seen in a 2016 white 4 door Chevy Cruze CA license plate 7RJD742. Anyone with information related to his whereabouts or this deadly shooting is urged to contact South Bureau Homicide at 323-786-5100 pic.twitter.com/3pX4fbezDs
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) April 2, 2019
“The community is the one helping us to solve this case,” Moore said.
The Chief of Police explained that Eric Holder entered the passenger door of a white Chevy Cruze driven by an unidentified woman, and they fled from the scene. “We do believe the driver of the vehicle needs to be apprehended and investigated,” Moore said.
Moore also stressed that if anyone is aiding and abetting with harboring Holder and or the unidentified female driver, they will be prosecuted.
“If they have fled, we will pursue,” Moore said.
South Los Angeles Community Activists
“We want the public to help us identify and apprehend Mr. Holder, who I am confident is watching this,” Moore continued.
Moore asked Holder to surrender to police.
Earlier during the news conference, Moore stated that he’s encouraged by what happened after Hussle’s murder.
Moore expressed that he was highly appreciative of local activists, leaders, and organizations like the Nation of Islam, who have stepped up to help bring about peace within the South Los Angeles community during a time of mourning. Moore also noted that Los Angeles averages 13 shooting victims a week and that in March those numbers doubled.
Nipsey Hussle’s Planned Meeting With LAPD
Los Angeles Police Commissioner, Steve Soboroff spoke during the press conference and expressed how disappointed he was that he, unfortunately, couldn’t have his meeting with Nispey Hussle that was scheduled the day after his murder on Apr. 1.
“Our goal is to work with the department to help improve the community, relationships, and work towards changing the culture…as to how we can help stop gang violence,” Soboroff said.
Soboroff explained that on Feb. 26 he received an email on behalf of Nipsey Hussle from Roc Nation to meet with LAPD to discuss how LAPD could work with the community to combat gang violence.
“I was ready for the meeting. I was excited for the meeting. Someone wanted to help,” Soboroff said. The police commissioner ensured that the meeting will still take place with Hussle’s family and Roc Nation when they are ready. Moore stated that Nipsey Hussle was an individual who posed an opportunity to work through gun violence, which he called a “sickness”.
Nipsey Hussle Had a Voice
During the beginning of the press conference, Moore expressed that he couldn’t believe the news of Hussle’s murder. “Nipsey Hussle represents the enormity of the lives that we have lost,” Moore said. “This was a voice that was trying to help and investing in his community.”
The suspect is still at large, and Moore encouraged the community to use Crime Stoppers if they have any tips regarding Holder’s whereabouts.
Glennisha Morgan is a Detroit-bred multimedia journalist and writer. She writes about intersectionality, hip-hop, pop culture, queer issues, race, feminism, and her truth. Follow her on Twitter @GlennishaMorgan
