In a tragic turn of events that unfolded within the confines of an Atlanta recording studio, a planned robbery escalated into a fatal shootout, claiming the life of 27-year-old Nathan Hannon on April 20, 2016. Hannon, an African American male, was part of a group of men who entered the HQ Recordings studio on Metropolitan Parkway with the intent to commit a robbery, a decision that would ultimately cost him his life.
The robbery was allegedly orchestrated by Kenson Hunte, who sought to
reclaim a stolen necklace and a significant amount of cash from an individual named Caleb Sims, who was present at the studio. To gain access, one of the conspirators, Casey Battle, arranged a fabricated recording session. Once inside, the situation quickly deteriorated. One of Hannon's accomplices drew a. 40 caliber handgun and fatally shot 28-year-old Atlanta rapper Jerome Blake, also known as 'Blizzy,' in the face.
In a swift and deadly response, Caleb Sims, the intended target of the robbery, returned fire with an AK-47, striking Nathan Hannon. The gunshot wound proved fatal for Hannon, adding a second casualty to the violent encounter. The entire chaotic incident was captured by the studio's surveillance cameras, providing crucial evidence for the subsequent investigation.
The aftermath of the deadly shootout led to several arrests and convictions. Casey Battle, who facilitated the robbers' entry into the studio, was convicted in 2018 for his role in the deaths of both Jerome Blake and Nathan Hannon. He was sentenced to life in prison with an additional five years. Another participant in the attempted robbery, Sheldon Dooley, faced a 14-count conviction that included felony murder and aggravated assault, resulting in a sentence of two consecutive life terms plus 45 years. Kenson Hunte, the alleged mastermind behind the robbery, was also charged but had not yet stood trial.
