Nipsey Hussle’s sister and former girlfriend, the mother of the slain rapper’s 10-year-old daughter, will work toward an agreement on the mother’s request to regularly see her daughter, the woman’s attorney said after a court hearing Monday.
Lawyer Larry Lewellyn said discussions between lawyers for both his client, Tanisha Foster, and Hussle’s sister, Samantha Smith, have been amicable thus far concerning the girl, Emani, and that both sides hope to reach a solution on a visitation schedule without court intervention. He said the best interests of the child will remain paramount.
Emani took turns sitting in court with her mother and aunt.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Cowan was scheduled to hold a hearing on Smith’s petition for temporary guardianship of Emani, who has been living with her. Cowan closed the hearing to the public because the case involved issues concerning the welfare of a minor.
When Cowan asked Emani how she was, the girl replied shyly, “Good.”
Cowan also named attorney William Spiller Jr. to represent Emani’s interests.
Lewelleyn said before the hearing that Foster maintains her goal of obtaining custody of Emani. He said another hearing is scheduled for July 15.
Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, also left behind a 2-year-old son, Kross Asghedom, with longtime girlfriend Lauren London.
The 33-year-old Grammy Award-nominated performer and entrepreneur was killed March 31 in a shooting outside his South Los Angeles clothing store.
Eric Ronald Holder Jr., 29, is accused of killing Hussle and injuring two other men. He is charged with one count each of murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, along with two counts of attempted murder.