Nipsey Hussle murder suspect will stand trial as judge rejects defense effort to dismiss case

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The man accused of murdering Nipsey Hussle will stand trial.

A judge on Thursday denied a defense request to dismiss murder charges against Eric R. Holder, Jr.

He's accused of shooting and killing the rapper outside Hussle's Hyde Park clothing store in March.

In rejecting the defense request, the judge said there is enough evidence to go to jury.

The trial could begin early next year.

The 33-year-old artist was killed March 31 while standing in front of his clothing store near the intersection of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard. He died later that day from gunshot wounds to the head and torso, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.

Police later arrested Holder. Holder and Hussle allegedly had a discussion or argument in front of the store Sunday, and Holder returned a short time later and started shooting, according to police.

MORE: Murals in Los Angeles breathe life into rapper's legacy

Along busy highways, on the sides of buildings and inside a school basketball court, more than 50 colorful murals of Nipsey Hussle have popped up in Los Angeles since the beloved rapper and community activist was gunned down outside his clothing store.