Atlanta Police Blame Lil Baby’s “Cowardly Acts” for Deadly Gang Shooting That Killed Two 13-Year-Olds [Video]

Atlanta police have linked the tragic shooting deaths of two 13-year-old boys to a wave of gang violence sparked by a Lil Baby music video shoot. During a press conference on Wednesday, authorities announced the arrest of seven suspects in connection with the July 2024 killings and placed direct blame on the Atlanta rapper for setting off the deadly chain of events.

“The cowardly acts of an Atlanta-based rapper who decided to go into a rival gang stronghold in a place he knew he should not have been,” said Major Ralph Woolfolk, who leads APD’s Violent Crime Interdiction Section (11 minute mark).

Channel 2 Action News obtained arrest warrants confirming the rapper Woolfolk referenced was Lil Baby, whose real name is Dominique Jones.

Police say the violence began in May 2024 when a shooting broke out at one of Lil Baby’s music video shoots, leaving three men wounded. Authorities believe this led to a series of retaliatory attacks between rival gangs, ultimately culminating in the shooting deaths of 13-year-olds Lamon Freeman and Jakody Davis on July 2. The boys were celebrating Lamon’s birthday at their apartment complex in the Oakland City neighborhood when they were caught in the crossfire. Jakody’s younger brother, DJ, was also injured in the attack.

Investigators revealed that the retaliation was ordered by a high-ranking member of a gang known as the “Goodfellas.” Police say this individual, who was locked up at the time, orchestrated the attack using a contraband cellphone from inside a Georgia prison.

Authorities have arrested seven suspects in connection with the fatal shooting: Quiyontay Sanders, Richard Hollis, Reginald Thomas, Markus Crawford, DeKeitheon Mobley, Tradon Crawford, and Ali Caldwell. The FBI assisted in identifying the suspects, and police noted that brothers Tradon and Markus Crawford were both involved.

Schierbaum warned that authorities are continuing their investigation and directly addressed Lil Baby in his statement.

“This team will work relentlessly to hold you accountable,” he said.

Police are still searching for additional leads, and a $50,000 reward remains available for anyone with more information on the case.