On Monday, a Los Angeles judge decided that there is sufficient evidence for A$AP Rocky to face trial over allegations of firing a gun at a former friend and collaborator in the vicinity of a Hollywood hotel in 2021.

Legal Proceedings for A$AP Rocky Unfold as Judge Advances Assault Case to Trial

After approximately a day and a half of testimony from two witnesses, Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar delivered the ruling during a preliminary hearing. A$AP Rocky, who showed no visible reaction to the decision, has entered a not guilty plea to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The 35-year-old rapper, also a fashion mogul and two-time Grammy nominee, is romantically involved with Rihanna, and together, they share two young sons.

Prosecutors stated that if convicted on all charges, A$AP Rocky could face a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison.

Anticipating Trial: A$AP Rocky’s Legal Team Prepared for the Next Legal Phase

Judge Villar, highlighting “the totality of the video and testimony,” stated that there is enough evidence for the defendant to proceed to trial. She emphasized that preliminary hearings have a lower evidence standard compared to a trial.

Outside the court, Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, expressed, “We’re not disappointed, not surprised, we expected to go to trial, we’ve been planning for trial all along. Rocky is going to be vindicated when all this is said and done, without question.”

During the initial day of the resumed hearing, Terell Ephron, a friend of A$AP Rocky since childhood, testified that they were part of the same collective of musicians and artists at their New York high school. Ephron described their relationship turning sour, leading to a standoff in Hollywood on Nov. 6, 2021. According to Ephron, Rocky initially pulled a gun on him, and in a subsequent confrontation, shots were fired, grazing Ephron’s knuckles.

Rocky’s Legal Team Expects Vindication Amidst Evidence Challenges

A Los Angeles judge ruled there’s enough evidence for A$AP Rocky to stand trial on gun-related charges after a confrontation with a former friend. Rocky, who pleaded not guilty, could face up to 24 years if convicted. The ruling followed a preliminary hearing with a lower evidence standard. The friend, Terell Ephron, testified about the 2021 incident in Hollywood. Rocky’s attorney expects vindication, highlighting the lack of evidence at the scene and the friend’s recovery of shell casings later.

Defendant’s Identity and Weapon Functionality Questioned in A$AP Rocky Trial

In the ongoing A$AP Rocky trial, prosecutors presented a video near the incident where gunshots are heard, and a man, identified as Rocky, is seen running. LAPD Detective Frank Flores confirmed no 9 mm pistol was recovered during a search. Prosecutors showed a surveillance still with a hooded man holding an object resembling a gun, leading them to identify it as Rocky. Defense attorney Tacopina questioned the weapon’s operability, highlighting it was never recovered or tested, leaving uncertainty about its functionality.

During the A$AP Rocky trial, his defense attorney, Tacopina, questioned the seriousness of Ephron’s hand injury, emphasizing the delay in seeking medical treatment. The judge admonished Tacopina for his tone. A$AP Rocky, wearing a dark suit and face mask, arrived at court after spending the weekend at a Grand Prix event. Known for his fashion role and relationship with Rihanna, he released little music recently. Tacopina stated Rocky wouldn’t subject his family to trial scrutiny. Trump previously advocated for Rocky’s release during the 2019 Sweden case, where he received a conditional sentence.