Vinson Hardimon, also known by his rap alias Young Vito, was found not guilty in the December 2011 shooting and killing of Atlanta-based rapper Slim Dunkin.
DETAILS: Rapper Slim Dunkin Killed
However, Hardimon will still spend the next 25 years behing bars for aggravated assault.
According to AJC:
While a Fulton County jury acquitted Vinson Hardimon of murder and felony murder – causing someone’s death by committing a felony – he was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a handgun during the commission of a felony for the December 2011 altercation that ended with the death of Mario Hamilton, also known as rapper Slim Dunkin.
When handing down the maximum sentence, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Craig Schwall pointed to a gun incident involving Hardimon, 29, eight months before Hamilton’s death.
“I just think he’s prone to carry a gun, and he’s violent and dangerous,” Schwall said.
But Hamilton’s father, Mark Hamilton, voiced his displeasure with the murder and felony murder acquittals, but facing the recent death of his mother on Sunday, expressed some relief that the trial was over and Hardimon would get jail time.
“I’m disappointed with that verdict,” Hamilton said. “I don’t know what (the jury) saw. In the end, he got 25 years and we can have some closure.”
Prosecutors had alleged that Hardimon shot Hamilton, 24, during a fight at Hardimon’s east Atlanta studio on Dec. 21, 2011. Hamilton, who was there to record a video with rapper Gucci Mane, found himself in a scuffle with Hardimon.
DETAILS: Indicted! Young Vito Is Going Down For Slim Dunkin’s Murder!
After the two were separated, witnesses said Hamilton – unarmed – rushed at Hardimon, and Hardimon shot and killed the up-and-coming rapper.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Slim Dunkin’s family and while they are disapppointed with the outcome, we hope they find solace in knowing the ordeal is over.
SOURCE: AJC
