The sister of slain rapper Nipsey Hussle filed court papers this week seeking to be named guardian of Hussle’s 10-year-old daughter.
Samantha Smith contends in her Los Angeles Superior Court petition that she has “always been a presence” in Emani Asghedom’s life and “has assisted in her care and continues to do so.”
Emani’s mother is Hussle’s ex-girlfriend, Tanisha Foster. Hussle also had a 2-year-old son, Kross, with his longtime girlfriend Lauren London.
It was unclear whether Foster was aware of Smith’s efforts to be named Emani’s guardian. TMZ, citing an unnamed source, reported that Smith believes Foster is unable to care for the girl.
A hearing date on Smith’s petition was not immediately set.
Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, was fatally shot on March 31 in front of The Marathon Clothing store he owned in South Los Angeles. The 33-year-old Grammy-nominated rapper received a hero’s send-off during a funeral service at Staples Center. Thousands of people lined streets of South Los Angeles to pay their respects when Hussle’s casket was driven through his old neighborhoods.
Eric Ronald Holder Jr., a 29-year-old aspiring rapper and an acquaintance of Hussle, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the shooting that killed Hussle and injured two others. Holder is due back in court May 10.
