A$AP Rocky did not appear at a status hearing in his assault case on Wednesday (March 6). According to legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, no trial date was set as a pre-trial hearing was scheduled for May 26.
Los Angeles County prosecutors told Judge Karla Kerlin they did not expect a plea deal to avoid trial. Rocky’s lawyer Joe Tacopina previously indicated his desire to prove the rapper’s innocence in court.
“We’re going to try the case in the courtroom,” Tacopina told reporters in January. “And when we do, facts will come out that show that he’s truly innocent. And that he’s a victim in this case.”
Rocky has been accused of shooting his former friend A$AP Relli during a November 2021 confrontation in Hollywood. Relli claimed Rocky fired a shot that grazed Relli’s left hand. Rocky allegedly fired two or three more times before fleeing the scene.
Police arrested Rocky in 2022. Prosecutors charged him with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offense that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in 2022. “My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, pleaded not guilty to the charges. He remained out of jail after posting a $550,000 bond. His attorney targeted a September 2024 start date for his trial.
“We hope to be on trial by September in this case,” Tacopina said. “I want to get this done and over with so he can start enjoying his family and move on.”
Rocky could be sentenced to up to nine years in prison if convicted. He also faced a lawsuit for assault and defamation in connection to the shooting.
