Chicago drill rapper King Von, born Dayvon Daquan Bennett, was gunned down outside an Atlanta nightclub on November 6, 2020, in a confrontation that escalated into a deadly shootout involving off-duty police officers. Now, on the fifth anniversary of his passing, sources close to the investigation and those in Von’s inner circle are speaking out with fresh insights into the events that unfolded that early morning, painting a clearer picture of the tragedy that robbed the music world of one of its rising stars.

The incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge on Trinity Avenue in downtown Atlanta. Von, then 26, had been in the city promoting his music and enjoying a night out with friends. What started as a verbal dispute between two groups—one affiliated with Von and his OTF (Only The Family) crew, and the other linked to rival rapper Quando Rondo—quickly turned physical. Surveillance footage later released by authorities showed the initial scuffle spilling into the parking lot.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described a tense atmosphere building inside the lounge earlier that evening. “Von was in good spirits, vibing to the music and taking photos with fans,” one clubgoer told this outlet anonymously. “But you could feel the tension when certain people walked in. Atlanta nights can get unpredictable, especially with folks from Chicago and Savannah in the same spot.”

The beef between Von and Quando Rondo had been public, stemming from larger rivalries in the drill scene tied to Chicago’s street dynamics. Von’s close association with Lil Durk and OTF put him at odds with groups connected to Quando, who hails from Georgia and had ties to other factions. Social media disses and subtle shots in lyrics had fueled the fire for months leading up to that night.

As the argument escalated outside, fists flew first. Video evidence captured Von throwing punches in the melee. That’s when off-duty Atlanta Police Department officers, who were working security for the venue, intervened. Sources familiar with the officers’ accounts say they initially attempted to break up the fight verbally, but as more people joined the brawl, the situation spiraled.

Gunfire erupted shortly after. Investigators determined that multiple weapons were discharged. Von was struck several times in the torso and legs. His associate, 32-year-old Mark Blake, known as O-Block Blanca, was also hit and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Another OTF member, 23-year-old Dalvin Thompson-Jones, succumbed to his injuries days later.

Two others in Von’s group were wounded but survived. On the opposing side, Quando Rondo’s associate, 22-year-old Timothy “Lul Timm” Leeks, was shot in the hand and later charged with Von’s murder. Leeks claimed self-defense, and charges against him were dropped in 2023 after prosecutors cited insufficient evidence to proceed amid the chaotic crossfire.

New details emerging this year come from unsealed court documents and interviews with first responders. Paramedics who arrived on the scene described a gruesome tableau: “There was blood everywhere in the parking lot,” one EMT shared in a recent deposition. “We treated multiple gunshot victims right there on the ground. Von was conscious when we loaded him—he was fighting to stay alert, asking about his friends.”

Von was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Surgeons worked for hours to save him, but internal bleeding proved too severe. He was pronounced dead at 4:26 a.m. An autopsy revealed he had been hit by at least seven bullets, with fatal wounds to his chest and abdomen.

Police reports indicate that the off-duty officers fired several rounds during the incident. Ballistics matched some bullets recovered from victims to service weapons issued to the cops. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) took over the probe to avoid conflicts of interest. In 2021, the GBI cleared the officers of wrongdoing, ruling their use of force justified as they feared for their lives amid the shootout.

But questions linger among Von’s family and fans. His sister, Kayla B., has been vocal on social media, pushing for more transparency. “Five years, and we still don’t have all the answers,” she posted recently. “My brother was a king, a father, a son. He didn’t deserve to go out like that.”

Lil Durk, Von’s mentor and OTF label boss, has honored his memory through music and philanthropy. Durk’s 2022 album “7220” featured tributes, and he’s funded community programs in Chicago’s O-Block neighborhood where Von grew up. “Von was family,” Durk said in a 2024 interview. “Every day I think about what could have been. He was just starting to blow up.”

At the time of his death, Von had released his debut album “Welcome to O’Block” weeks earlier, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. Posthumous releases like “What It Means to Be King” in 2022 kept his streams in the billions. Tracks such as “Took Her to the O” and “Crazy Story” cemented his legacy as a vivid storyteller in drill music.

Insiders reveal that Von had big plans. “He was talking about movies, clothing lines, everything,” a former manager shared. “Atlanta was supposed to be a quick trip. He had studio sessions booked back in Chicago that week.”

The Monaco Hookah Lounge incident also led to changes in Atlanta’s nightlife security protocols. Venues now face stricter rules on off-duty police hires, and the city has cracked down on hookah spots known for late-night crowds.

Lul Timm, whose real name is Timothy Leeks, has since distanced himself from the spotlight. After his charges were dropped, he reportedly moved out of Georgia and laid low. Quando Rondo, who was uninjured but present, has spoken sparingly about the night, focusing on his own career and personal growth.

Von’s estate continues to thrive under the management of his family. Merchandise sales and streaming royalties support his three children. Annual memorials in Chicago draw thousands, with balloon releases and vigils at the O-Block corner.

Criminologists point to the shooting as a tragic example of how social media-fueled rivalries can turn deadly. “Drill music reflects real life, but it also amplifies conflicts,” one expert noted. “What happens online doesn’t stay online.”

As the music industry reflects on half a decade without King Von, his influence endures. Artists like Lil Baby and Polo G cite him as inspiration, and his raw lyricism continues to resonate with a new generation.

Family members are planning a private remembrance event this weekend, with public tributes encouraged via social media. “Von lives through his music and his kids,” his mother, Taesha Bennett, said in a statement. “We miss him every day, but we’re proud of the man he became.”

The Atlanta Police Department declined to comment on ongoing aspects of the case, citing closed investigations. But for those who knew Von best, the story is far from over.

In a world where hip-hop losses mount— from Nipsey Hussle to PnB Rock—King Von’s death remains a stark reminder of the dangers faced by young Black artists navigating fame and street ties. Five years on, the quest for peace in his name continues.

Fans are urged to stream his catalog today in honor. As one viral post put it: “Long live King Von—the king of storytelling.”