Atlanta police have charged 22-year-old Timothy Leeks with felony murder in the death of upcoming Chicago Rapper King Von.
What We Know:
- The 26-year-old rapper, named Dayvon Bennet at birth, was shot last week outside of Monaco Hookah Lounge in Downtown Atlanta. An altercation between two groups ended in gunfire, taking the life of Von and one other who authorities identified as Chicago native Mark Blakely. Investigators initially believed three were killed; on Saturday, police stated the third victim is in critical condition. Their identity remains unknown.
- Atlanta police announced their arrest warrant on Saturday for Leeks, who is in custody at Grady Hospital being treated for a gunshot wound. Two uniformed off-duty officers were also working at the lounge, and an on-duty officer was patrolling the area. None of the officers suffered any injuries.
- Surveillance footage showed a large group exiting the building as punches were being thrown. Shots were fired from behind a white vehicle and the crowd dispersed. One victim, presumed to be Von, laying in the street was picked up and carried into a car that quickly drove off. He was taken to a local hospital where he passed. Von is believed to have been shot before the police arrived, but shots were once again fired when the officers confronted the two groups.
- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called to the scene’s aftermath due to the officers’ involvement. The Atlanta Police Homicide Unit is working on the case investigating the deaths. Police say, “part of the investigations will include which individuals were struck by gunfire from the suspects and whether any were struck by gunfire from the officers”.
- King Von just charted twice on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Albums. He released his latest album Welcome To O’Block on Oct. 30. He was signed to famous Chicago rapper Lil Durk’s Only The Family Entertainment label. Chance the Rapper, Lebron James, YG, and Lil Yachty were among the many celebrities who took to social media to express their condolences.
The investigation is ongoing and the police anticipate more charges to be filed.
