Chaka Zulu, Ludacris' former manager, has been charged with murder. According to WSB-TV, the renowned music executive was detained previously this week in association with a gunshot on June 26 in Atlanta.
According to reports, the incident occurred at a shopping center parking lot, where Zulu and two others got into an altercation that resulted in the shooting. Artez Benton, 23, was killed in the incident, according to police, while Zulu and a third person were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
Zulu, who co-founded the record label Disturbing Tha Peace, reportedly surrendered to authorities on September 13 and was released on bond shortly after. He was also charged with aggravated assault, criminal possession of a handgun, and simple battery.
BREAKING: Ludacris’ longtime manager Chaka Zulu arrested on murder charge. The music executive, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, is also charged w/ aggravated assault , possession of firearm during commission of a felony and simple battery, according to jail records. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/4mPLIsI5Pz
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) September 18, 2022
According to reports, the incident occurred when Zulu, his colleague, and a buddy were leaving an event in Buckhead. The men were going through the parking lot when they were approached by someone who reportedly bumped Zulu with his chest. A fight allegedly broke out, with others assaulting Zulu and knocking him to the ground.
One of the males allegedly fired numerous bullets during the brawl, forcing an armed Zulu to pull his pistol and fire back in self-defense, according to sources.
BREAKING: Atlanta police have identified one of the two injured victims as Chaku Zulu. We’re working to get his exact condition. @wsbtv
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) June 27, 2022
1 dead, 2 injured in shooting outside busy Buckhead shopping center, police say https://t.co/iD20mpKFX6
Gabe Banks, Zulu's lawyer, made a statement to WSB-TV.
Here’s the background: On June 26, APD responded to the 2200 block of Peachtree Road after getting reports of a shooting. When officers arrived , they found three people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators said it was the “result of a dispute in the parking lot.”@wsbtv
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) September 18, 2022
JUST IN: Chaka Zulu’s attorney, Gabe Banks, just sent me the following statement regarding the murder charge:@wsbtv pic.twitter.com/9pjFJAoHfh
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) September 18, 2022