An autopsy has revealed that an off-duty Georgia police officer shot a local rapper 17 times in the back during a confrontation outside an Atlanta bar, raising major questions about whether the shooting was justified.
The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. on October 12 outside the 5 Paces Inn. Officer Gerald Walker, who was working an extra-duty security shift, responded to reports of a “disruptive person” at the bar.
According to police, Walker encountered 44-year-old Linton “B-Green” Blackwell trying to re-enter the bar through a back entrance. Investigators say Blackwell walked away toward the parking lot, got into a car, and appeared to place something in the small of his back. Walker reportedly issued commands regarding a gun before opening fire.
Paramedics pronounced Blackwell dead at the scene, and officers recovered a firearm.
But Blackwell’s loved ones say the number of shots fired tells a different story. According to local station WXIA, an autopsy revealed Blackwell was shot 17 times in the back area.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” said his friend and manager, Timothy Coleman. “Seventeen times in the back. Not one shot in the front.”
Coleman said he believes the shooting was unjustified. “If he wasn’t pointing a gun at you, why shoot him in the back 17 times? That means he wasn’t facing you. He wasn’t a threat.”
Coleman is calling for charges. “I want him locked up. Gerald Walker needs to be behind bars.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the case and will hand its findings to the Fulton County District Attorney once the investigation is complete. Prosecutors will decide whether the shooting was justified or if Officer Walker should face criminal charges.
The investigation remains ongoing.