Chaka Zulu has been charged with murder in connection to a Buckhead triple shooting in June, according to Atlanta police.
Buckhead Triple Shooting
On June 26, a triple shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Buckhead shopping center in the 2200 block of Peachtree Road around 11:35 p.m.
Homicide investigators told 11Alive that the shooting sprung from an argument in the parking lot behind the strip center.
Chaka Zulu, whose birth name is Ahmed Obafemi, and two other men suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to the hospital.
Artez Jamil Benton died of his injuries.
Who is Artez Jamil Benton?
Artez Jamil Benton was a Dekalb County native (Scottsdale).
He graduated with honors from Druid Hills High School.
Artez attended Young Harris College, where he received a partial academic scholarship and he was recruited as a baseball player.
He graduated from Young Harris College last year and started an apprenticeship at Mayberry Electric, an Atlanta-based electrical contractor.
Artez was working through a five-year program to become a licensed electrician.
He and a group of friends had recently launched their own clothing line, Cash Life Global.
Artez Jamil Benton was 23 years old at the time of his death.
Watch below as his family speaks with FOX 5 Atlanta.
Chaka Zulu Charged With Murder
Two and a half months after the Buckhead triple shooting Atlanta police identified 52-year-old Chaka Zulu as a suspect and obtained warrants charging him with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a criminal, and simple battery.
Chaka surrendered on Tuesday, September 13, and was booked into Fulton County jail.
He was released the same day on a $200,000 bond, according to jail records.
Self-Defense
Chaka Zulu’s attorney Gabe Banks, says the music executive acted in self-defense and discharged a weapon that he is licensed to carry after being attacked.
“It is not lost on Mr. Zulu that someone lost his life, but had Mr. Zulu not lawfully defended himself, Mr. Zulu would have been killed that night.”
Read the full statement from Gabe Banks below.
Mr. Chaka Zulu, a beloved son of the City of Atlanta, is disappointed in the Atlanta Police Department’s decision to bring charges against him surrounding the shooting that occurred in June 2022.
A close review of all the evidence, including the surveillance footage and eyewitness interviews, reveals that Mr. Zulu was attacked and jumped from behind by a gang of at least four individuals (sadly including the decedent) and was forced to defend himself after this gang repeatedly stomped, punched and kicked him while he was on the ground in a defenseless posture.
Mr. Zulu was shot in the back during the shooting and nearly lost his life, and is still recovering from the nearly fatal injuries he sustained that evening. Mr. Zulu was at his place of business that night and had every reason to defend himself. In an attempt to save his life, Mr. Zulu lawfully discharged his weapon in self-defense, a weapon that he is licensed to carry.
Mr. Zulu fully cooperated with law enforcement officials and their investigation, and voluntarily turned himself in once he learned of the arrest warrants. Mr. Zulu remains confident that his name will be cleared of all charges through the judicial process.
It is not lost on Mr. Zulu that someone lost his life, but had Mr. Zulu not lawfully defended himself, Mr. Zulu would have been killed that night.
See the original post below.
Celebrities Rally In Support Of Chaka Zulu
The news of Chaka Zulu’s murder charges sent shockwaves through the city of Atlanta as well as the entertainment community, prompting many celebrities to rally around him and express their support on social media.
Read a few comments below.
Tika Sumpter: “Praying for you and your family Chaka. ❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Keri Hilson: “We love you Chaka. We have not ceased praying for your health & full recovery, and now we include your freedom & justice in our prayers. Take the time you need brother, we got you. ❤️❤️❤️ Love you”
Kandi Burruss: “Praying for you! ??”
50 Cent: “This will work itself out.”
See more comments below.
This case is ongoing and I will keep you updated on any new developments.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below or join the convo on our socials.
