King Von died from multiple gunshot wounds sustained during an early morning physical altercation and subsequent shootout outside an Atlanta lounge on November 6, 2020. The rising Chicago drill rapper, whose real name was Dayvon Bennett, was 26 years old. His sudden death cut short one of the most promising storytelling careers in modern rap, leaving fans and the hip-hop community in deep shock.
The incident unfolded outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge in downtown Atlanta. What started as a physical confrontation between two separate groups escalated rapidly into gunfire. Understanding the full context of his demise requires looking at the sequence of events that night, the official medical findings, and the broader impact on the rap industry.
The Sequence of Events Outside the Atlanta Lounge
On November 6, 2020, around 3:20 a.m., an altercation broke out in the valet area outside the Atlanta venue. King Von and members of his entourage became involved in a dispute with a group associated with Georgia rapper Quando Rondo.
Surveillance footage later reviewed by investigators showed King Von approaching the opposing group and physical punches being thrown immediately. Within seconds, guns were drawn. Multiple individuals opened fire during the chaos, resulting in a multi-party shootout.
Off-duty and on-duty Atlanta police officers, who were stationed nearby working security, rushed toward the gunfire to intervene. Law enforcement officers discharged their weapons during the chaos as well. When the shooting stopped, multiple people lay wounded on the pavement.
Autopsy Findings and Medical Details
According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's autopsy report, King Von suffered several critical gunshot wounds during the crossfire. He was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition by private vehicle and underwent emergency surgery, but he succumbed to his injuries.
- The Wounds: The official medical examination documented multiple bullet injuries to the torso and extremities.
- Toxicology: Standard post-mortem toxicology tests were performed, noting substances common in such evaluations without altering the fundamental determination that death was caused by acute firearm trauma.
- Police Clarification: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigated the incident and confirmed that while police officers did fire their weapons during the chaotic scene, subsequent ballistic analysis and autopsies helped clarify the sequence of shots fired by civilian participants in the dispute.
Legal Aftermath and Arrests
The violent shootout left three people dead and several others injured. Shortly after the incident, Atlanta police arrested Timothy Leeks, also known as Lul Tim, and charged him with felony murder in connection with King Von's death.
The legal proceedings stretched across subsequent years. In December 2023, a Georgia jury acquitted Timothy Leeks of murder charges after his defense argued self-defense during the chaotic brawl. The ruling closed the primary criminal case tied directly to the fatal shots fired that night, though the cultural and emotional fallout lingered across Chicago and the wider hip-hop landscape.
The Legacy Left Behind
At the time of his passing, King Von was experiencing a massive career surge. Having signed to Lil Durk's Only the Family (OTF) label and Empire Distribution, he gained widespread acclaim for his vivid, cinematic narrative style in tracks like "Crazy Story" and "Took Her to the O".
His debut studio album, Welcome to O'Block, was released just one week before his death and peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 chart. His raw depiction of street life in Chicago made him a voice for a generation, but it also tied his real life tightly to the environment he rapped about.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was King Von's real name?
His real name was Dayvon Daquan Bennett. He was born on July 25, 1994, on the South Side of Chicago.
How old was King Von when he passed away?
He was 26 years old at the time of the shooting in November 2020.
Where did the fatal shooting take place?
The shooting occurred outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge on West Trinity Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia.
Did police officers shoot King Von?
While Atlanta police officers exchanged gunfire at the scene to stop the active threat, the official investigations and medical examiner reviews centered on the shots exchanged during the physical fight between the private groups.
What albums did King Von release during his lifetime?
He released two major commercial mixtapes/albums: Grandson, Vol. 1 (2019) and Levon James (2020), alongside his posthumously celebrated studio project Welcome to O'Block.
