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LOS ANGELESA man who once belonged to the same street gang as of Nipsey Hussle was found guilty of first-degree murder Wednesday three years after he gunned down the beloved rapper in broad-daylight outside his Marathon clothing store in Los Angeles.

Eric Holder, who was stillsporting a swollenleft eye and stitchesin the back of his head after being attackedin jail last week, remained silent as each of the jurorsindividually and unanimously voted for the first-degree murder charge. Holder, 29, was found guilty of intentionally using and discharging a handgun to kill 33-year-old Hussle in cold blood on March 31, 2019.

The jurycomposed of nine women and three menalso convicted Holder on two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for shooting two men Kerry Lathan and Shermi Cervinta Villanuevaas they stood with Hussle outside the rappers clothing store.

Holder was initially charged with attempted murder for shooting Lathan and Villanueva, but jurors found him guilty of a the lesser charge.

Lathan, who was standing across from Hussle, was shot in the back and was paralyzed from his injuries.Villanueva was grazed by a bullet and was not seriously injured.

Holder alsowas convicted ofpossessing a firearm while being a convicted felon and the jury found true allegations that he personally used a firearm and caused great bodily harm and death.

During a press conference after the verdict was read, Deputy District Attorney John McKinney said he hoped family, friends and fans ofHussle,whose real name is Ermias Asghedom, will be able findsome closure and peace.

McKinney said he has not spoken directly to Hussles family aboutthe case or the verdict. The prosecutor said he has reached out to the family multiple times, but an attorney hired by the family has been keeping them informed of the case.

Today was more than just about the right verdict, or the right outcome for this trial, McKinney said. Today was really about Nipsey Hussle and the legacy that he leaves behind. This verdict and the story of his life will be talked about for sure, at Crenshaw and Slauson, but the meaning of it will carry far beyond those streets. The legacy of Nipsey Hussle and the arc of his life, which started off in a shadowy place, ended up in a very positive place for him, and for those that he inspired through the way that he lived his life, especially in his latter years.

He added, So, as a community, we move forward from this. We move forward in the tradition of the marathon. We move forward in the tradition of young people who are in a situation that Nipsey might have been in 15 years ago and look at his life as an example of how they can get out of that situation, and get to a place where dreams are made. I hope that that is what people take forward from today.

During the two-week trial, prosecutors and defense attorneys argued over the final interaction between Holder and Hussle, who grew up in the same neighborhood and were in the same gang the Rollin 60s Crips when they were younger.

Although gang allegation charges were not filed against Holder in this case,McKinney said the case did have gang overtones. He said some potential witnesses did not come forward or were held back because of a culture that exists in the community that its wrong to cooperate with law enforcement.

Holders public defender Aaron Jansen, who refused to talk to reporters immediately after the verdict was read, said during thetrial that his client shot Hussle in the heat of passion afterHussle accused Holder of being a snitch.

McKinney, however, argued the shooting was premeditated. The prosecutor said Hussle never accused Holder of being a snitch and was actually trying to help Holder to clear his name.

A key witness, Bryannita Nicholson,said she saw Holder load a semi-automaticweapon with bulletswhile he was in her car. Nicholson, who had an intimate relationship with Holder, testified he had instructed her to park her car in an alleyway while he got out.

Video played during the trial showed Holder walking back to the Marathon store parking lot, where he approached and shot Hustle 11 times.

Before leaving the scene, Holder kicked the beloved rapper in the head, a move that was personal, McKinney told jurors.

A fourth man who was with the group during the shooting,Evan McKenzie, ran from the scene.During the trial, a $500,000 warrant was issued againstMcKenzie, who failed to show up to court to testify under subpoena.

While Nicholson did not witness the shooting, she said she heard gunshots. Moments later, Holder ran back to her car and he told her to shut up anddrive out of the area.

Before she peeled away from the alleyway, Nicholson said, she saw Holder put two weapons a semi-automaticand a handgun into a bag.

Witness Herman Cowboy Douglas testifiedhe knew both Holder and Hussle since they were all former members of the South Los Angeles Rollin 60s Crips street gang.

He said when Holderinitially approached Hussle 10 minutes before the shooting, Holder didnt seem angry or agitated.

Accordingto Douglas, Hussle wasactually trying to help Holder by telling him that people in the neighborhood weresaying he had paperwork, meaning Holder was somehow involved in a case and should clear his name.

While Douglas testified Holder left the conversation shaking hands with Hussle, Holders attorney said his client walked away consumed with anger, causing him to come back 10 minutes later and shoot Hussle in the heat of passion.

McKinney told jurors during his closing argument that Holder had plenty of time to turn around and walk away, but instead ambushed the beloved rapper and shot and injured two other men.

The evidence showed he went over there, willing to kill everyone in that space, McKinney said during his closing argument. Nipsey was clearly the target but (Holder) was willing to kill everyone or chase them away.

Holder will be back in court for sentencing on September 15.

Douglas, who was a close friend to Hussle, walked out of the courtroom in tears and overcome with emotion after the verdict was read.

Douglas said while the guilty verdict provided some relief, he still wants to know what drove Holder to kill his friend that day.

Nipsey never called that man a snitch, Douglas said. I heard the conversation, but I still need to know why. I know he didnt kill him behind that conversation. I still need to know why. it was so senseless. Im just sad. I miss my friend. Hes supposed to still be here. We are losing a lot of good people on senseless violence, hate, envy. As a society, we have to learn to get along. We are killing each other and it makes no sense.

On Thursday, Jansen told The Post he will be filing a notice of an appeal and will present Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke with substantial evidence concerning Holders mental health at the Sept. 15 sentencing.

I am deeply disappointment in the first-degree murder verdict, Jansen said. It was always going to be tough given the high profile nature of this case.We are grateful that the jury agreed with us, in part, that the case was overcharged and acquitted Mr. Holder, Jr. of the two first degree attempted murder charges.

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Jury finds Eric Holder guilty of Nipsey Hussle's murder - New York Post

Childhood & Early Years

Eric Himpton Holder was born on January 21, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, U.S., to a Barbadian couple. His mother, Miriam, was a telephone operator and secretary. His father, Eric Himpton Holder Sr. (19051970), was a real-estate broker.

Holder grew up in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York. He graduated high school and received the 'Regents Scholarship' from the 'Stuyvesant High School,' Manhattan, in 1969. He then joined 'Columbia University,' where he was a prominent civil-rights activist. Holder was part of the 'Reserve Officers' Training Corps' office, which was later renamed the 'Malcolm X' student center.

Holder completed his BA in American history in 1973.

In 1974, while studying law at the 'Columbia Law School,' Holder worked as a clerk at the 'NAACP Legal Defense Fund.' He then worked at the 'Criminal Division' of the 'Department of Justice' in 1975. His experience in these two jobs earned him his first full-time job after his graduation from law school in 1976.

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Career

In 1976, as part of the attorney general's 'Honors Program,' Holder joined the newly established public-integrity office of the 'Department of Justice' in Washington. Working in that position, he prosecuted public officials involved in government corruption at various levels. Some such personnel were the ambassador to the Dominican Republic, the treasurer of the state of Florida, a Pennsylvania-based judge, and an assistant U.S. attorney from New York.

He was a nominee of the then-president, Ronald Reagan, for the position of the associate judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. After assuming the post, Holder primarily headed civil and criminal cases. His tenure lasted for 5 years.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated Holder for the position of the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C, which the senate confirmed later that year. With this, he became the first AfricanAmerican to preside over the largest U.S. attorney's office.

His 4-year tenure witnessed several progressive activities, with community outreach being the priority. He established a domestic violence task-force unit, brought in a community undertaking project, and introduced 'Operation Cease-Fire' to reduce gun crime.

Holder served on the board of trustees of 'The George Washington University' in 1996 and 1997. That year, President Clinton promoted him to the second-highest position of the 'Justice Department,' deputy attorney general. Holder was again the first AfricanAmerican to serve in that post. In that capacity, he expanded his previous initiatives.

Holder presided over civil and criminal cases related to enforcement, litigation, and other administrative issues. He established 'Lawyers for One America' to prioritize the role of citizens in the legal process and to diversify the legal profession.

As the deputy attorney general, Holder prominently worked in the areas of budget and personnel issues such as solving disputes among department heads, briefing reporters on policy initiatives, and working on national security issues. He also presided over significant investigations such as the 2002 case of bribery and corruption in the 'Winter Olympics' in Salt Lake City, the enactment of the 'Independent Counsel, and the murders of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr.

Opposing the model introduced under President George W. Bushs administration, Holder advocated civilian trials for terrorism suspects. Republican lawmakers were against Holder's suggestion.

Holder ordered the investigation of the accusation of misconduct involving the New Orleans police department, during Hurricane Katrina.

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In 2001, Holder quit his office and began his private practice as a litigation partner with 'Covington & Burling' in Washington, D.C. There, he worked on civil, criminal, and investigative matters, along with domestic and international advisory issues.

Two of Holder's significant clients at the firm were 'Purdue Pharma' and 'Merck & Co., Inc.' (one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world). He was also part of the dog-fighting investigation of the 'National Football League' (against Michael Vick) and the case involving 'Chiquita Brands International,' the country's leading distributor of bananas, and its payment of protection money to the 'United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia' (AUC).

In March 2004, under the leadership of Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, Holder and 'Covington & Burling' represented the 'Illinois Gaming Board' as a team of special investigators. The investigation was short-lived and was canceled on May 18, 2004.

After serving as the senior legal advisor for Barack Obama's 20072008 presidential campaign, Holder was appointed as the attorney general in Obama's administration. The senate confirmed his post in February 2009.

On March 27, 2009, he assumed duty at the 'Lisner Auditorium' of the 'George Washington University.'

Holder and Republican legislators were pitted against each other once again during 'Operation Fast and Furious.'

In February 2011, Holder, on behalf of his legal department, announced that he would no longer defend cases related to the 'Defense of Marriage Act,' citing it unconstitutional. He argued that the prohibition of gay marriage did not adhere to strict scrutiny.

In May 2011, Holder testified before the Congress, speaking on the legality of the operation that captured and killed Osama bin Laden. Holder maintained that killing Laden was legal. However, he failed to produce documents related to the operation. Hence, the Republican House held Holder in contempt of the Congress. With this, he became the first head of the Justice Department to be held in contempt of the Congress. However, he did not face any criminal prosecution.

Later that year, the 'House Judiciary Committee' declared an investigation into Holder's conduct and what he knew about 'Operation Fast and Furious' in his previous testimony.

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In 2012, the 'House Oversight and Government Reform Committee' cited Holder for contempt of the Congress, as he did not respond to the committee's issue of a subpoena regarding the documents related to 'Operation Fast and Furious.'

On August 12, 2013, Holder, on behalf of the 'Justice Department,' launched the 'Smart on Crime' program at the House of Delegates meeting of the 'American Bar Association.'

In September 2014, Holder announced his resignation, and attorney general. Loretta Lynch succeeded him in April 2015.

Holder returned to private practice at 'Covington & Burling' later that year. However, he continued to provide legal assistance in political matters, such as the opposition of the practice of gerrymandering.

In early 2016, Holder represented the South Africa-based telecommunications company 'MTN Group,' negotiating a fine that the government of Nigeria had imposed on the company.

In October 2016, Politico announced Holder's appointment as the chairman of the 'National Democratic Redistricting Committee.' He assumed office the following year.

In October 2018, a Trump supporter named Cesar Sayoc was arrested in Florida for sending packages that were suspected of containing explosives, in an attempt to attack the president, Holder, and other top political figures. Fortunately, none of the devices detonated, and no injury was reported.

That year, Holder hinted at his probable presidential run in 2020.

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Eric Holder Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements

ISTANBUL, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Western missions would "pay" for issuing security warnings and temporarily closing consulates in Turkey last week, while police said there was no serious threat to foreigners after detaining 15 Islamic State suspects on Sunday.

Ankara summoned the ambassadors of nine countries on Thursday to criticise their decisions to temporarily shut diplomatic missions and issue security alerts. Turkish officials said the following day that Western nations, including the United States and Germany, had not shared information to back up their claims of a security threat.

"The other day our foreign ministry summoned all of them and gave the necessary ultimatum, told them 'You will pay for this heavily if you keep this up,'" Erdogan said during a meeting with youth that was pre-recorded and broadcast on Sunday.

Alongside the closures, several Western states warned citizens of a heightened risk of attacks to diplomatic missions and non-Muslim places of worship in Turkey, following a series of far-right protests in Europe in recent weeks that included several incidents of burning copies of the Muslim holy book, the Koran.

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Turkey suspended negotiations for Sweden and Finland's NATO accession last month following a protest in Stockholm during which a copy of the Koran was burned.

Erdogan said that the Western states were "playing for (more) time" and that the "necessary decisions" would be taken during Monday's cabinet meeting, without elaborating.

Earlier on Sunday, police said they had not found evidence of any concrete threat to foreigners in the detentions of 15 Islamic State suspects accused of targeting consulates and non-Muslim houses of worship, state media reported.

Anadolu Agency cited an Istanbul police statement saying the suspects had "received instructions for acts targeting consulates of Sweden and the Netherlands, as well as Christian and Jewish places of worship".

While the suspects' ties to the jihadist group were confirmed, no concrete threats toward foreigners were found, the statement said.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu repeated on Saturday Turkey's frustration with what it says is Sweden's inaction toward entities that Ankara accuses of terrorist activity. All 30 NATO members must ratify newcomers.

Turkey, Sweden and Finland signed an agreement in June aimed at overcoming Ankara's objections to their NATO bids, with the Nordic states pledging to take a harder line primarily against local members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984.

Editing by Jonathan Spicer, Elaine Hardcastle and Frances Kerry

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Turkey's President Erdogan says Western missions will 'pay' for ...

By AFP

ADIYAMAN: Hakan Tanriverdi has a simple message for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan days after Turkey suffered its worst disaster in generations: "Don't come here asking for votes."

The earthquake that killed more than 21,000 people across Turkey and Syria came at one of the most politically sensitive moments of Erdogan's two-decade rule.

The Turkish leader has proposed holding a crunch election on May 14 that could keep his Islamic-rooted government in power until 2028.

The date gives his splintered opposition little time to hammer out their differences and agree on a joint presidential candidate.

Whether that vote can now go ahead as planned remains to be seen.

Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency across 10 quake-hit provinces. The region is still digging out its dead and many are living on the streets or in their cars.

Campaigning here seems out of the question.

But there is also a political dimension that is deeply personal for Erdogan.

The earthquake struck just as he was gaining momentum and starting to lift his approval numbers from a low suffered during a dire economic crisis that exploded last year.

Tanriverdi's bitterness is a bad sign for Erdogan in a province where he handily beat his secular opposition rival in the last election in 2018.

"We were deeply hurt that no one supported us," Tanriverdi said of the government's earthquake response.

Erdogan fights back

Tanriverdi's grievances are common in Adiyaman province -- one of the hardest-hit by the quake.

Locals complain that rescuers didn't arrive in time to pull out people who survived the first critical hours. Some pointed to a lack of machinery to drill through slabs of concrete.

"I did not see anyone until 2:00 pm on the second day of the earthquake," Adiyaman resident Mehmet Yildirim said.

"No government, no state, no police, no soldiers. Shame on you! You left us on our own."

Erdogan admitted "shortcomings" in the government's handling of the disaster on Wednesday.

But he is also fighting back. The 68-year-old led a rescue response meeting in Ankara on Tuesday and spent the following two days touring a series of devastated cities.

He is yet to visit Adiyaman.

That upsets Hediye Kalkan, a volunteer who travelled nearly 150 kilometres (95 miles) to help with the Adiyaman rescue and recovery effort.

"Why doesn't the state show itself on a day like this?" she demanded. "People are taking their relatives' bodies out by their own means".

'Isn't it a sin?'

The sheer scale and timing of the disaster -- spanning a large and remote region in the middle of a winter storm -- would make any rescue effort complicated.

Erdogan has received a largely warm reception from locals in carefully choreographed visits broadcast on national television.

One elderly woman came out to hug Erdogan and shed tears on his shoulder.

Veysel Gultekin might not do the same if he had a chance to face the Turkish leader.

Gultekin said he had seen one of his relatives' feet trapped under the rubble after running out on the street after Monday's pre-dawn tremor.

"If I had a simple drill, I could have pulled him out alive," Gultekin said. "But he was completely trapped and after a strong aftershock, he died."

AFP reporters saw more machines and rescue workers -- including international teams -- around collapsed buildings on Thursday.

But this was not enough to soothe Tanriverdi's pain.

"People who didn't die from the earthquake were left to die in the cold," he said. "Isn't it a sin, people who have been left to die like this?"

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'Don't come here asking for votes': Turkish President Erdogan faces ...

The devastating earthquake in Turkey poses a significant test of governance for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is fighting for his political future just months before an election in May that could reshape the country.

Mr. Erdogan swept into power after a bungled government response to a 1999 earthquake that left more than 17,000 people dead and a financial crisis two years later. He has dominated Turkish politics for the two decades since but his support has been weakened recently by sky-high inflation that dented his reputation as a capable, if controversial, administrator.

The earthquake could really destroy the image of Erdogan as a powerful, autocratic, yet efficient leader, said Soner Cagaptay, who heads Turkey research at the Washington Institute, a policy research organization. We have to wait to see it could play out depending on the disaster response.

Mr. Erdogan, 68, faces a staggering task in the aftermath of Mondays earthquake, which was one of the deadliest and most destructive natural disasters this century. Damage could top $1 billion, according to an estimate by the United States Geological Survey. Thousands are dead and the toll is rising.

He also faces a political challenge: Recent polls suggest that no one would win outright in the first round of presidential voting, and that either of two potential opposition candidates could beat Mr. Erdogan in a runoff, with survey margins ranging from single digits to more than 20 percentage points.

Turkish opponents and Western officials have accused Mr. Erdogan of pushing the country toward autocracy, largely because of sweeping powers he granted himself since a narrow majority of voters passed a referendum in 2017 that expanded the presidents role.

On Tuesday, he declared a three-month state of emergency in 10 provinces affected by the earthquake, allowing for limitations on freedoms that could include curfews, travel bans and compulsory assignment for civil servants.

The move raised immediate concerns, given the steps Mr. Erdogan took in 2016 after a failed coup attempt against him. A nationwide state of emergency was initially supposed to last three months but was extended for a total of two years. During that time, more than 100,000 people were detained and 150,000 public employees were purged from their jobs.

But analysts called Tuesdays announcement an understandable step in light of the scale of the quakes devastation. The three-month period would end shortly before the May 14 vote.

So far, the opposition has refrained from criticizing the response to the earthquake, with all the political parties on Tuesday issuing a rare joint statement of unity in the face of the temblor.

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Erdogans Election Hopes Could Hinge on Earthquake Response