Chicago rapper King Von was among three people shot dead outside a nightclub in Atlanta, state investigators have said.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that Dayvon Bennett, aka King Von, and a group of men left the Opium Nightclub and went to the Monaco Hookah Lounge,” the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said in a statement.
“Once there, two men approached the group in the parking lot, and the two groups of men started to argue with each other. The argument quickly escalated to gunfire between the two groups.”
The GBI said on and off-duty Atlanta police officers responded and one of each fired shots.
“During the shooting incident, six men were shot during the group altercation and officer encounter. Bennett and two men died as a result of their injuries, and three were injured and are being treated at a hospital,” the GBI said.
The Atlanta Police Department said that its officers did not kill the rapper, who was 26.
“At this time, our investigators believe Mr Bennett was shot during the initial shootout between the two groups of males, prior to police responding and attempting to stop the shooting,” the statement said.
The incident happened at around 4am. No officers were injured.
“Part of the investigations will include determining which individuals were struck by gunfire from the suspects and whether any were struck by gunfire from the officers.
“Charges are anticipated against the two suspects detained on-scene and additional charges are likely as the investigation continues,” Atlanta Police spokesman Officer Anthony W Grant said.
Last month, King Von released his album Welcome To O-Block, a nod to an area on Chicago’s 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,” a statement from his publicist read.
“We are heartbroken for his family, his friends, his team, and his fans. Long live King Von.”
