In what was supposed to be a creative session at a southwest Atlanta recording studio in April 20, 2016, 28-year-old Jerome Blake, an aspiring rapper also known as 'Blizzy,' was tragically shot and killed. The incident, which also resulted in the death of one of the gunmen, Nathan Hannon, unfolded at the Headquarters Recording Studio on Metropolitan Parkway.
Blake, who was at the studio for the first time, was not the intended target of the violent robbery that turned deadly.
The tragic event was set in motion by a plot to rob a man named Caleb Sims. Prosecutors stated that four men entered the studio with the intention of robbing Sims. One of the men, Casey Battle, had arranged a fake recording session to gain access to the studio. The plan was reportedly instigated by another rapper, Kenson Hunte, known as 'Rich Show,' who wanted to retrieve a stolen necklace and a large sum of money from Sims.
During the attempted robbery, a shootout erupted. An unidentified man shot Blake in the face, killing him at the scene. Sims returned fire, hitting and killing Hannon. The investigation into the double homicide led to the arrests of several individuals. Casey Battle, who helped orchestrate the robbery, was convicted of murder in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison plus five years.
Another man, Sheldon Dooley, was also convicted on 14 counts, including felony murder, and received two life sentences plus 45 years. A third co-defendant, Kenson Hunte, has also been charged in connection with the murders but has not yet stood trial. The case gained national attention and was even featured on the A&E television series 'The First 48.' Jerome Blake's family has been present throughout the legal proceedings, seeking justice for their loved one who was senselessly caught in the crossfire.
