Fact-Checking the King Von Fatal Shooting: Atlanta Police Reports, Ballistics, and Charges
By James H. Sterling
Did Atlanta police officers shoot King Von?
No. Forensic ballistics analysis and surveillance video confirmed that responding officers did not fire the bullets that struck Bennett. The fatal rounds were fired by Timothy Leeks.
What was the official cause of death in the autopsy?
The Fulton County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds to the torso, with the manner of death classified as homicide.
Why were murder charges dropped against Timothy Leeks?
Fulton County prosecutors dismissed the felony murder charges in August 2023 under Georgia's defense-of-others legal statutes, as video evidence showed Bennett initiating physical combat against Tyquian Bowman prior to the gunfire.
Did the autopsy photo leak originate from the coroner's office?
Fulton County officials confirmed the leaked photograph did not originate from the county medical examiner's office. The photo was taken illicitly at an external mortuary facility handling the remains prior to burial services.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
