Georgia Man Charged in Killing of Rising Chicago Rapper King Von Outside Atlanta Nightclub

 — Authorities have charged a Georgia man in connection with the fatal shooting of rising Chicago rapper King Von, who was gunned down early Friday outside a popular Atlanta nightlife spot. The incident, which unfolded outside Monaco Hookah Lounge in the city’s downtown entertainment district, left two people dead and four others wounded, prompting a complex investigation involving the Atlanta Police Department (APD) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Police confirmed Saturday that Timothy Leeks, 22, of Savannah, has been arrested and charged with the murder of the 26-year-old rapper, whose real name was Dayvon Daquan Bennett. Authorities said Leeks sustained a gunshot wound during the chaotic events and is currently in custody at Grady Memorial Hospital, where he is receiving treatment under police guard.

“Mr. Leeks is in police custody at Grady Hospital where he is undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound. The homicide of Bennett is closed with this arrest,” an APD spokeswoman told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, marking the first major development in the case.

Violent Confrontation Erupts Outside Lounge

The shooting unfolded just after 3 a.m. Friday as two groups of men exited the Monaco Hookah Lounge, located along Trinity Avenue. Surveillance footage widely circulated on social media appears to show a heated physical altercation escalating rapidly into gunfire. In the video, several men are seen throwing punches before one individual steps forward and appears to fire multiple shots at close range.

At least two people collapse in the street as others scramble for cover or flee in various directions. Several bystanders rush to help one of the wounded victims, attempting to carry him toward safety as additional gunfire echoes in the background.

Authorities later confirmed that six people were shot, including King Von. Initially, investigators believed three individuals had died from their injuries, but APD clarified Saturday that two victims were pronounced dead, and a third remained in critical condition. The names of the other victims have not yet been released.

Police and Off-Duty Officers Involved

The incident is now also being investigated as an officer-involved shooting, since multiple Atlanta police officers were present in the immediate area at the time of the gunfire. Two uniformed officers were stationed nearby as part of their standard downtown patrol and attempted to respond as shots erupted. Additionally, two off-duty officers working security jobs at the lounge were also involved in the confrontation.

According to APD, none of the officers fired the shots that killed King Von. However, at least one officer is believed to have discharged a weapon during the broader exchange of gunfire that took place between the two groups.

“It is our understanding that the confrontation did not begin with police,” the department said in an earlier briefing. “The officers were not on the scene at the very start of the altercation. When they heard the shots, they responded and attempted to intervene.”

Under Georgia law, any incident involving police gunfire must be investigated by an outside agency, which is why the GBI has taken over portions of the case. Investigators are now reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and gathering forensic evidence to establish a complete timeline of the events.

Rapper’s Death Reverberates Across Music Community

King Von, a prominent figure in Chicago’s emerging drill scene, had recently relocated to Atlanta to expand his career and escape ongoing violence in his hometown. Signed under fellow Chicago rapper Lil Durk’s label, Only the Family (OTF), Von had seen rising national attention following the release of his debut album Welcome to O’Block just one week before his death.

News of his killing sent shockwaves across the hip-hop world, with fans, producers, and fellow artists expressing grief and disbelief on social media. Many praised the rapper’s storytelling ability, charisma, and potential for mainstream success.

A Night Out Turns Deadly

Initial reports suggest the altercation may have stemmed from an ongoing dispute between individuals associated with the rapper and another group at the club. Authorities have not confirmed any motives and caution that much of the speculation circulating online remains unverified.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted in the packed nightlife area. Several patrons inside the lounge were unaware of the severity of the situation until police began blocking off surrounding streets and emergency vehicles flooded the area.

Investigation Continues

While the arrest of Leeks marks a significant step, investigators stress that the case is still open with multiple angles under review. Detectives are working to determine how many individuals discharged weapons, which shots caused specific injuries, and what sparked the initial fight.

The GBI will also be conducting a thorough examination of the officers’ involvement to determine whether their actions complied with department policy and state law.

Officials urge anyone with additional video, photos, or witness accounts to contact investigators.

Funeral Arrangements Pending

Family members have not yet released details regarding funeral plans for King Von, though tributes have continued pouring in from fans across the country. His death adds to a long list of tragic losses within the hip-hop community in recent years.

As the investigation unfolds, Atlanta authorities say they remain committed to bringing clarity to what they describe as one of the city’s most high-profile and complex shootings of the year.