On August 7, 2024, Freddie Lee Trone, 42, was convicted for the murder of rapper PnB Rock, whose real name was Rakim Hasheem Allen. The murder occurred on September 12, 2022, at Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles in South Los Angeles. In addition to the murder charge, Trone was convicted of two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Trone’s co-defendant, Tremont Jones, was also convicted of two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.
The tragic incident took place while PnB Rock was dining with his fiancée at Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles. Trone’s 17-year-old son, following his father’s instructions, entered the restaurant wearing a ski mask. He demanded Allen’s jewelry and, upon facing resistance, shot him multiple times. The teenager then fled the scene with the stolen items and was picked up by Trone, who was waiting nearby as the getaway driver. PnB Rock was rushed to a hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Legal Charges and Evidence
Murder (Penal Code 187)
Freddie Lee Trone was convicted of felony murder under California Penal Code 187, which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. The prosecution argued that Trone orchestrated the robbery and subsequent murder of PnB Rock, making him liable under the felony murder rule. This rule holds accomplices in certain felonies equally culpable for any deaths that occur during the commission of those felonies.
- Felony Murder Rule: Despite not personally killing Allen, Trone was deemed a “major participant” who acted with “reckless indifference to human life.” This standard was met through his orchestration and active participation in the robbery that led to the shooting.
Second-Degree Robbery (Penal Code 211)
Both Trone and Tremont Jones were convicted of second-degree robbery, defined under Penal Code 211 as the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from their person or immediate presence, and against their will, accomplished by means of force or fear.
- Evidence: Surveillance footage and witness testimony showed that Jones identified PnB Rock’s valuable jewelry and alerted Trone. Trone then directed his son to carry out the robbery, resulting in the fatal shooting.
Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Penal Code 182)
The conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery under Penal Code 182 involves an agreement between two or more persons to commit a robbery, followed by an overt act to further that agreement.
- Evidence: The prosecution presented communication records and surveillance images demonstrating the planning and coordination between Trone, his son, and Jones. This included Trone’s presence in the parking lot prior to the incident and his son’s subsequent actions during the robbery.
Additional Defendants
- Shauntel Trone: Pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2025.
- Juvenile Defendant: The 17-year-old son, now 19, has been charged with murder but has been deemed incompetent to stand trial as of the latest proceedings.
Freddie Lee Trone and Tremont Jones are set to be sentenced on August 27, 2024, in the Compton Courthouse. District Attorney George Gascón emphasized that these convictions show the justice system’s commitment to pursuing and holding accountable those who threaten community safety.
