The sudden and violent death of Chicago rapper Dayvon Bennett, professionally known as King Von, on November 6, 2020, sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community and left fans searching for answers. Amid a storm of social media speculation and conflicting initial reports, the official King Von autopsy report from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office provided a definitive and sobering account of the altercation that claimed his life. The report confirmed that the 26-year-old artist died from multiple gunshot wounds sustained in a parking lot brawl, bringing a factual clarity to a tragedy that had been clouded by rumor and misinformation.
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge in downtown Atlanta. What began as a verbal dispute between King Von’s entourage and the crew of fellow rapper Quando Rondo quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Surveillance and cell phone footage that later circulated online captured the chaotic moments as the argument turned into a fistfight, followed by the sound of gunfire. The ensuing melee left three men dead, including King Von, and several others wounded, painting a grim picture of the escalating violence that can plague disputes within the music industry.
Fulton County Medical Examiner's Official Findings
In the days following the shooting, the crucial task of determining the exact circumstances of Bennett's death fell to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office. The subsequent release of the King Von autopsy report served to officially document the cause and manner of his death, providing the first concrete piece of evidence in a complex and high-profile case.
The chief finding of the report was unequivocal. The official cause of death for Dayvon Bennett was listed as **multiple gunshot wounds**. The manner of death was officially ruled a **homicide**. This clinical determination was vital, as it dispelled one of the most persistent and damaging rumors circulating at the time: that King Von had been shot and killed by responding Atlanta police officers. While police were present and did discharge their weapons during the incident to quell the violence, the medical examiner's findings, supported by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's independent review, concluded that the fatal shots were fired before law enforcement engaged.
According to reports from the Atlanta Police Department, the initial altercation was already in progress when two off-duty officers working security and one on-duty officer arrived. "It is our understanding Dayvon Bennett, aka King Von, was shot and killed during this initial shootout between the two groups of males, prior to police responding and attempting to stop the shooting," stated the Atlanta Police Department in a release. This official timeline, corroborated by the autopsy, was critical in establishing the sequence of events and identifying the primary suspect.
Separating Fact from Fiction: The Aftermath of the Shooting
The immediate aftermath of King Von's death was characterized by a whirlwind of misinformation. Social media platforms were flooded with theories, accusations, and conflicting eyewitness accounts. The release of the autopsy's findings was a grounding moment, anchoring the narrative in verifiable facts. However, the tragedy was further compounded by a deeply disturbing and unethical event: the unauthorized leak of an image purportedly from King Von's autopsy examination.
The circulation of this graphic photo caused immense pain to his family, friends, and fans. The individual allegedly responsible, a mortician contractor for the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office, was subsequently fired. The office released a statement condemning the breach, stating, "Our investigation has determined that the offensive images were taken by a contractor employee of a funeral home that was hired by the family of the deceased... We are pursuing all legal avenues available with the appropriate law enforcement agencies." This incident highlighted a dark side of internet culture and raised serious questions about privacy and respect for the deceased, adding another layer of trauma to an already devastating loss.
The official report helped clarify several key points:
- Cause of Death: Confirmed as multiple gunshot wounds, not from police fire.
- Timeline: The fatal shots occurred during the initial altercation between the two rival groups.
- Manner of Death: Ruled a homicide, paving the way for criminal charges.
The Legal Proceedings and Arrest of Timothy Leeks
With the cause and manner of death officially established, the investigation quickly focused on identifying the shooter. Based on surveillance footage and witness statements, the Atlanta Police Department identified 22-year-old Timothy Leeks, an associate of Quando Rondo also known as Lul Timm, as the primary suspect. Leeks, who was also wounded in the shootout and taken to the same hospital as King Von, was arrested and charged with felony murder while still recovering from his injuries.
The legal case against Leeks hinges on the claim of self-defense. His attorneys have argued that his actions were a justifiable response to King Von initiating the physical altercation, framing the shooting as a defense of himself and Quando Rondo. This legal battle underscores the complexities of the case, which involves rivalries, perceived threats, and the split-second decisions made in a volatile environment. Leeks was later released on a $100,000 bond in March 2021, and the case has been slowly moving through the legal system since.
The incident also resulted in charges against other individuals involved in the brawl for various offenses, highlighting the broad scope of the confrontation. The ongoing legal process serves as a constant reminder of the night's tragic consequences.
A Legacy Defined by More Than Its End
While the shocking details of the autopsy report and the cause of death revealed a violent end, it is crucial to remember the life and career of Dayvon Bennett. King Von was a master storyteller, a rising star in the Chicago drill scene whose vivid narratives about street life in his O'Block neighborhood resonated with millions. His intricate lyricism and compelling delivery on tracks like "Crazy Story" and "Took Her to the O" established him as a formidable voice in modern hip-hop.
His death is often cited as a tragic example of the cycle of violence that has claimed the lives of too many talented artists, from Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. to Nipsey Hussle and Pop Smoke. It serves as a stark reminder of the thin line many artists walk between depicting a harsh reality in their music and being consumed by it. Even posthumously, King Von's music continues to thrive. His first posthumous album, *Welcome to O'Block*, achieved significant commercial success, and a second, *What It Means to Be King*, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart in 2022, a testament to his enduring impact and the loyalty of his fanbase.
Ultimately, the King Von autopsy report closed the book on the speculation surrounding his final moments, providing a clinical and factual record. It confirmed he was a victim of a street dispute that escalated to gunfire, a narrative all too common in the world he so vividly described in his music. While the report details how he died, his legacy continues to be defined by how he lived: as a groundbreaking artist, a father, and a voice for a generation whose stories he told with unflinching honesty.
