Georgia man charged with murder in shooting of Chicago rapper King Von
A man has been charged in the fatal shooting of Chicago rapper King Von in Atlanta on Friday morning.
Timothy Leeks, 22, of Savannah, Georgia, was charged with murder after the Atlanta Police Department secured warrants on Saturday, police confirmed to USA Today.
King Von, 26, whose real name is Dayvon Bennett, was shot around 3: 20 a. m. Friday during an argument between two groups of men that “escalated to gunfire,” according to a statement provided by Officer Steve Avery with the Atlanta Police Department. Bennett was taken to an area hospital, where he died.
The incident took place outside Monaco Hookah Lounge, where two off- duty officers who were in uniform and working an extra job at the lounge, along with an on- duty officer who was patrolling nearby, confronted the arguing groups. Shots were fired, police said.
“Three of the persons shot in the incident have died as a result of their wounds and three others are being treated in area hospitals. The officers were not injured,” according to the police.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Atlanta Police Homicide investigators are investigating in an attempt to determine “which individuals were struck by gunfire from the suspects and whether any were struck by gunfire from the officers,” police said.
Several people in the hip- hop community have posted messages of condolence on social media, including fellow Chicago emcee Chance the Rapper.
Last month, King Von released his album “Welcome to O- Block,” a nod to the area around 64th Street and King Drive on the South Side where he was raised. The album featured appearances from Moneybagg Yo, Polo G and Lil Durk.
“He was a devoted father, a deeply loyal friend, and a man who took care of his people before himself,” publicist Erin Ryan said in a statement. “We are heartbroken for his family, his friends, his team, and his fans. Long live King Von.”