Nipsey Hussle's alleged killer has been dealt another legal blow.
On Thursday, a judge denied a motion to dismiss multiple charges against Eric R. Holder, Jr., the man who is accused of fatally shooting Nipsey on March 31 in Los Angeles. Holder was arrested several days after the deadly incident and charged with one count of murder, one count of firearm possession by a felon, and two counts of attempted murder. The suspect's legal team had asked the court to throw out the latter two charges, arguing their client did not intend to kill the other two men who wounded during the shooting.
Holder's counsel based the motion on the "kill zone theory." Per USC Annenberg Media:
In order for the "Kill Zone" theory to apply when determining attempted murder, six factors must be proven: there is a primary target, type of weapon used, distance between the shooter and target, proximity to other victims to target, whether victims are in an enclosed area, and whether the target was moving in the attack.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert J. Perry rejected the motion and determined there was enough to go to the jury.
Investigators say Holder opened fire on Nipsey following a dispute outside the late rapper's The Marathon Clothing store. The suspect reportedly became angry with Nipsey, after he was accused of being a "snitch."
"Mr. Holder got out of the car, immediately walked up to the group where Mr. Hussle ... was, and they had a conversation," Deputy District Attorney John McKinney said back in June. "That conversation is important because that conversation had something to do with Mr. Asghedom accusing Mr. Holder of snitching, which in the gang world is a very serious offense."
Holder allegedly left the scene, only to return moments later and open fire on Nipsey and two other men. Nipsey was shot at least 10 times and was pronounced dead after he was transported to a hospital.
Holder, who turns 30 next week, is currently behind bars on $6.53 million bond. Jury selection is expected to take place in early 2020, with the trial set to begin in February. Holder is facing up to life in prison.
