King Von died from multiple gunshot wounds sustained during an early-morning physical altercation and subsequent shootout outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia. The rising Chicago drill rapper, whose real name was Dayvon Daquan Bennett, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition on November 6, 2020, where he was pronounced dead at the age of 26. Official police reports and subsequent investigations confirmed that the fatal incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two groups of men outside the venue, drawing nationwide attention and grief from the hip-hop community.
The immediate aftermath involved chaotic street scenes, multiple injured victims, and intense scrutiny over law enforcement involvement. Because the shooting involved multiple parties and active crossfire, confusion initially surrounded who fired the fatal shots. Investigators later pieced together surveillance footage and witness statements to clarify the sequence of events that cut short the life of one of rap's most prominent emerging storytellers.
The Night of the Incident at the Atlanta Lounge
The confrontation unfolded around 3:20 a.m. outside the Atlanta nightlife establishment where multiple groups had gathered after hours. According to reports from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, an argument broke out between two separate parties in the parking lot and quickly escalated from a physical brawl into an exchange of gunfire.
Surveillance footage recovered from the scene showed King Von walking up to an individual involved in a separate scuffle, prompting a sudden escalation. Within seconds, multiple weapons were drawn. Shots rang out in rapid succession, leaving several individuals wounded on the pavement.
Initial rumors on social media mistakenly claimed that Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers had shot the rapper. The department issued immediate clarifications confirming that on-duty officers intervened to stop the threat and render aid, but the fatal wounds were inflicted during the exchange between civilian participants. Two off-duty police officers—working security nearby—actually engaged in the response, further complicating the initial chaotic reports.
Autopsy Findings and Official Cause of Death
The Fulton County Medical Examiner released details confirming that King Von's death was a homicide caused by multiple gunshot injuries. The autopsy documented severe trauma to vital organs resulting from projectiles entering his torso.
- Fatal Wounds: Medical examiners located multiple gunshot impacts, with critical damage inflicted to the chest and surrounding areas.
- Hospital Transport: Following the shooting, associates placed the wounded rapper into a private vehicle rather than waiting for an ambulance, driving him to a nearby hospital where medical staff attempted life-saving procedures.
- Toxicology and Condition: Standard toxicological screenings were performed as part of standard medical examiner protocol for violent deaths.
The medical findings definitively ruled out any survival possibilities given the severity of the internal injuries. The formal determination of homicide aligned with the eyewitness accounts and recovered ballistic evidence from the crime scene.
The Legal Aftermath and Arrests
In the wake of the shooting, local authorities launched an expansive multi-agency investigation to identify all shooters and participants.
- Timothy Leeks Arrest: Police apprehended 22-летний Timothy Leeks (also known as Lul Tim) at a hospital where he was being treated for a gunshot wound sustained during the same exchange. Leeks was booked on a felony murder charge.
- Legal Proceedings: Over the subsequent years, the case moved through the Fulton County court system. In late 2024, legal representatives for Leeks confirmed that his specific murder charge had been dismissed, as defense arguments centered around principles of self-defense during the chaotic melee.
- Other Casualties: The total toll of the incident left three people dead and several others injured, making it one of the most devastating single shooting events involving prominent figures in the modern rap industry.
Impact on the Chicago Drill Scene and His Legacy
Before his passing, King Von had established himself as a powerhouse in the drill subgenre, known for his cinematic, narrative-driven lyrics detailing street life in Chicago's South Side. Projects like Welcome to O'Block—released just a week before his death—peaked on the Billboard charts and cemented his status as a foundational voice for a new generation of hip-hop artists.
His death sparked wider conversations within the music industry regarding safety, conflict resolution, and the heavy toll that street environments continue to exact on young artists who achieve sudden fame. Fellow musicians, collaborators, and fans worldwide expressed profound shock, noting that his career was scaling new heights just as it was cut short.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was King Von shot by police?
No. While police officers were present and responded to the gunfire outside the venue, official investigations by the Atlanta Police Department and state authorities confirmed that the shots which killed King Von were fired during an altercation involving civilian participants.
Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting took place outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge (frequently referred to in reports as an Atlanta nightclub or lounge) located on West Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia.
How old was King Von when he died?
King Von was 26 years old at the time of his death on November 6, 2020.
What was King Von's real name?
His birth name was Dayvon Daquan Bennett. He earned the moniker "King Von" after growing up in the Parkway Gardens housing complex (known locally as "O'Block") on Chicago's South Side.
