Gangs unite for slain rapper, gang-member Nipsey Hussle

By Mona Austin The death of Nipsey Hussle has driven the Los Angeles to unity. Rival gangs walked in peaceful solidarity to the shop where rapper and community leader Nipsey Hussle was slain nearly a week ago on Friday.  Known for giving back to the community, there has been a tremendous national outpouring  of grief over his tragic murder from people in all walks of life.  Hussle, 33, a former member of the Crips gang was gunned down in front of his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles last Sunday at the corner of Slauson and Crenshaw, a block he uses to had bought.  Two other people who were with him were also shot, but survived.

Ermias Joseph Asghedom (his birthday name) meaning "God will rise" in Ethiopian, died from gun shot wounds to the head and torso according the coroner and police believe the shooter knew him.  He was scheduled to meet with the LAPD on the following day to discuss ways to end gang violence.

Nipsey Hussle did not abandon his home when he became successful.  He planted his feet and several businesses in the same streets he roamed as a wayward youth and grew his visions as a entrepreneur.  He employed ex-offenders and people who came from the same street culture he knew.  Hussle was lauded for bringing positive change to an area well acquainted with violence.

Eric Holder, Jr. 29, an aspiring rapper  was charged with the murder and  is pleading not guilty.  Police say had a dispute before the shooting.  Holder was also charged with two counts of attempted murder possessing a firearm by a felon.  He will be represented by Attorney Christopher Darden who served as the prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson case 24 years ago. Holder's bail was set at $5 million and he will return to court on May 10.

The Grammy-award winning artist's life had an impact that the woman who raised him , Margaret Boutte, his grandmother, 88 never knew. "To see that so many people loved and understood him. That's uplifting," she expressed to CBS Los Angeles. She was remarkably empathetic toward the killer and said, "He was a young ignorant situation and I'm praying for him." Despite her loss, a Catholic, Boutte hopes that Holder would not be killed in custody before he asks God for forgiveness.

Boutte said she did not realize how much her grandson meant to people and "I hope these young people get the message."

Surveillance video confirmed a female drove the get away car.   She has been cooperating with police and charges have not been determined.