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A$AP Rocky found not guilty in 2021 shooting of A$AP Relli

A$AP Rocky was found not guilty on two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm stemming from an argument with childhood friend and bandmate Terell Ephron — also known as A$AP Relli — in 2021.

A jury in Los Angeles came to the verdict on Tuesday after five hours of deliberation.

The “F–kin’ Problems” rapper, whose legal name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, was facing up to 24 years in prison, but prosecutors said they were only seeking eight.

Rocky’s New York power attorney, Joe Tacopina, exclusively tells Page Six in a statement, “Today was a day where the journey to justice was completed.

“We are exhilarated and thrilled that the jury saw through the charade that was the district attorney’s case. Rocky and Rihanna now get to resume their life with their two young children and their family.”

A verdict has been reached in A$AP Rocky’s assault trial. REUTERS
The Los Angeles-based trial lasted about three weeks. REUTERS

Tacopina continues, “The fact that this verdict was in under four hours after a month long trial shows the strength of the defense case and the weakness of the prosecution’s.

“Obviously, we’re grateful to the jury and Rocky in particular is grateful to the jury for coming to the conclusion that they came to so swiftly and now it’s just time to move forward.”

Following the verdict, Rocky told jurors in the Los Angeles courtroom, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement Tuesday evening, “While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system.

“Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence. Fame does not place anyone above the law, and we will not waver in our pursuit of justice for victims and the community.”

Rocky was accused of shooting his former friend in 2021. REUTERS
Rocky maintained that he was innocent and did not accept a plea deal. FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Rocky’s contentious trial started in late January and lasted about three weeks.

The “Praise the Lord” rapper maintained that he was innocent and pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He declined to testify on the stand.

“True Crime News” host Ana Garcia called Rocky’s decision to not accept a plea deal a “gamble.” However, she told The Post earlier this month, “I think he’s got a strong case – I do believe that.”

Tacopina pressed Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron, on the stand during his cross-examination about his claims that Rocky fired a gun at him after a dispute in Los Angeles in 2021.

However, the rapper’s former friend maintained during the trial that “gun was pulled” on him.

Rocky’s accuser, A$AP Relli, testified during the trial. FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
He claimed that Rocky pointed a gun at his stomach and head, and then fired it at him. FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

He testified that the “L$D” rapper pointed the gun at his stomach and then his head but it wasn’t actually touching him, adding, “It’s been three years. If he was innocent, he would be home a long time ago.”

In a heated moment, Relli shouted at Rocky, “You did this to yourself!” When reprimanded by the judge, he claimed that he reacted to the “Am I Dreaming” rapper “staring” at him.

Tacopina’s defense relied in part on the claim that Relli, who had been buddies with Rocky since high school, had grown jealous of the famous rapper.

The lawyer, 58, claimed in his opening statements that Rocky had been carrying a starter pistol with him during the time of the alleged incident that shot only blanks.

Relli was never seriously injured during the scuffle and suffered only bloody scrapes on his knuckles.

Rocky’s longtime partner, Rihanna, supported him in person during the trial. Snorlax / MEGA
The couple has been dating since 2019 and they share two kids. GC Images

Rocky shares two kids.

The global pop star, 36, showed up to the Los Angeles courthouse on multiple occasions and sat beside Rocky’s mother and sister inside the courtroom.

After the verdict, Rihanna posted on Instagram, “The glory belongs to God and God alone. Thankful, humbled by His mercy!”

Page Six has reached out to her rep for further comment.

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