It’s been well over a year since Nipsey Hussle was killed outside of his Los Angeles clothing store and fans have continued to call for justice for the late rapper and entrepreneur. However, it looks like fans will have to keep waiting, as the Coronavirus pandemic has put another delay on Hussle’s court case.
Eric Holder — who is accused of shooting and killing Hussle last March — appeared in court on Tuesday (Dec. 1), where Judge Robert J. Perry said his trial would be have to be postponed for at least another three months.
“I really don’t how we can realistically expect to see this case go to trial anytime in the next 90 days or more,” Perry said. “Mr. Holder, I don’t know what to tell you except that the court system and this county are plagued by a sickness that we call the COVID virus, and the court system has been very much impacted.”
Holder’s trial was already delayed back in May due to the virus. At the time, Judge Perry reminded the 30-year-old of his right to a speedy trial.
“Mr. Holder, as you know, this is an important case and a serious case,” Perry said. “These cases take time to get ready for trial. You have the right to a speedy trial.”
However, the pandemic forced the closure of all Los Angeles County Clerk offices and courtrooms in neighboring Southern California cities.
Holder and his lawyers are expected to return to court on Jan. 21, where they will reassess the threat of the virus and the future of his trial. Perry said there’s a possibility that Holder’s case could go to trial within 30 days after that date, but added, “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Holder reportedly accepted the new court timeline. In addition to murder and attempted murder charges, Holder is also facing two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of felony possession of a firearm. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently being held at a prison facility in downtown Los Angeles.