Georgia Community Outraged After Off-Duty Cop Allegedly Shoots Rapper 17 Times in the Back Outside Atlanta Bar
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A Georgia community is demanding answers after an off-duty Atlanta police officer allegedly shot a local rapper 17 times in the back, killing him during a confrontation outside a Buckhead bar. The shooting has sparked outrage among friends, family, and supporters who say the killing was unnecessary and “unbelievable.”
Autopsy Reveals Rapper Was Shot 17 Times in the Back
The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. on October 12, when Officer Gerald Walker was working off-duty security at 5 Paces Inn in Atlanta. Officials say Walker responded to reports of a “disruptive person” attempting to re-enter the bar through a back entrance.
Investigators identified the man as Linton “B-Green” Blackwell, a 44-year-old rapper well-known in the local music scene.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Blackwell walked toward the parking lot and got into a vehicle, where Walker believed he saw him tuck something into the small of his back. Police say Walker yelled commands “in reference to a gun” before firing.
Paramedics pronounced Blackwell dead at the scene. Officers recovered a firearm.
But according to an autopsy later reported by local NBC affiliate WXIA, Blackwell was shot 17 times in the back, intensifying anger and questions surrounding the officer’s actions.
His manager, Timothy Coleman, expressed disbelief:
“I just couldn’t believe it was 17 times in the back. There’s not one shot in the front.”
Friends and Family Question Whether the Shooting Was Justified
Blackwell’s loved ones say the autopsy proves he was not facing the officer, raising doubts about whether he posed any immediate threat when he was shot.
Coleman told reporters he does not believe the shooting was justified:
“If he wasn’t pointing a gun at you or doing anything, what does that have to do with shooting him in the back 17 times? That means he wasn’t facing you. He wasn’t a threat.”
He called for Officer Walker to be criminally charged:
“I want him locked up. Gerald Walker needs to be behind bars.”
GBI Leads Investigation; District Attorney to Decide on Charges
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the case and will turn its findings over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors will then determine whether Officer Walker was legally justified or whether he should face charges for killing Blackwell.
The shooting has fueled renewed discussions in Atlanta about policing, excessive force, and how officers should respond when off duty.
Community activists have urged transparency, accountability, and a full review of body-worn camera footage and witness statements. The investigation remains active.
As Atlanta awaits findings from investigators and prosecutors, the community continues pushing for answers and accountability in Blackwell’s death. For ongoing updates on this case, public-safety developments, and stories impacting local music communities, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.