Police Say Rapper Lil Baby Could Have Prevented the Killings of Two Black Teens in Atlanta

Nationwide — Rapper Lil Baby, whose real name is Dominique Jones, is accused of triggering a violent gang war that led to the shooting deaths of two 13-year-old boys, according to Atlanta police. Authorities announced seven arrests in connection to the July 2024 murders of Jakody Davis and Lamon Freeman.

Freeman and Davis were killed while celebrating Freeman’s birthday. Police say their deaths were part of a series of retaliatory shootings linked to an earlier incident at Jones’ May 2024 music video shoot, where three men were shot. Multiple shootings and homicides followed, allegedly tied to that attack.

Major Ralph Woolfolk of Atlanta PD blamed Jones for escalating tensions. “The cowardly acts of an Atlanta-based rapper that decided to go into a rival gang stronghold in a place he knew he should not have been,” according to WSB-TV.

Police believe a high-ranking gang member, currently in a Georgia prison, ordered to kill Freeman and Davis. The suspect allegedly used a contraband cellphone to organize the attack, though authorities have not publicly identified them.

“This team will work relentlessly to hold you accountable,” Woofolk said during a news conference.

A $50,000 reward is being offered for more information. Jones’ attorney has not responded to the allegations.