King Von autopsy results shocked the world when they were officially released following the rapper’s tragic death on November 6, 2020.
Dayvon Daquan Bennett, professionally known as King Von, was fatally shot outside a hookah lounge in Atlanta, Georgia, at just 26 years old.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner conducted the autopsy and released a detailed report confirming the cause of death.
Fans, media, and the hip-hop community searched for answers.
King Von Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dayvon Daquan Bennett |
| Stage Name | King Von |
| Date of Birth | August 9, 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois |
| Date of Death | November 6, 2020 |
| Age at Death | 26 years old |
| Place of Death | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Cause of Death | Multiple gunshot wounds |
| Fatal Shot Location | Gunshot wound to the head (right eye, exiting skull) |
| Number of Gunshots Found | At least 6 |
| Autopsy Conducted By | Fulton County Medical Examiner |
| Pathologist | Edmund Donoghue |
| Toxicology Findings | MDMA, marijuana, codeine, promethazine (reports vary) |
| Suspect Charged | Timothy “Lul Tim” Leeks |
| Murder Charge Status | Dismissed in 2023 |
| Burial Location | Chicago, Illinois (November 15, 2020) |
Who Was King Von?
King Von was born Dayvon Daquan Bennett on August 9, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Parkway Garden Homes housing project, widely known as “O’Block,” on Chicago’s South Side.
He was raised primarily by his mother, Taesha, alongside several siblings. His father, Walter E. Bennett, was frequently incarcerated and was ultimately killed by a gunman when Von was just 11 years old.
Despite an extremely difficult upbringing surrounded by gang activity and street violence, King Von channeled his experiences into music. He became one of the most authentic voices in Chicago’s drill rap scene.
King Von’s Rise to Fame
King Von was signed to Lil Durk’s Only the Family (OTF) label after Durk took notice of his raw talent and storytelling ability. His 2018 single “Crazy Story” became a breakout hit and established him as a major voice in drill music.
His 2020 debut studio album, Welcome to O’Block, peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and earned widespread critical acclaim. It was released just one week before his death, making the timing all the more devastating.
His single “Took Her to the O” achieved triple platinum certification and peaked in the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. He was widely regarded as one of the most gifted storytellers in hip-hop at the time of his death.
| Discography Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| “Crazy Story” (2018) | Triple Platinum, breakthrough single |
| “Took Her to the O” (2020) | Triple Platinum, Top 50 Billboard Hot 100 |
| Welcome to O’Block (2020) | #5 Billboard 200, debut studio album |
| What It Means to Be King (2022) | #2 Billboard 200, posthumous |
| Grandson (2023) | Posthumous final album |
The Night of the Shooting: November 6, 2020
In the early hours of November 6, 2020, King Von was outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge at 255 Trinity Avenue in downtown Atlanta. It was approximately 3:20 a.m. when the situation turned fatal.
Two groups of men got into a confrontation outside the club. Reports indicate that the argument began between King Von’s crew and associates of rapper Quando Rondo. The dispute quickly escalated from a physical fight into a deadly shooting.
Surveillance footage captured the altercation. Quando Rondo’s camp later claimed they were acting in self-defense, stating that Von had been the aggressor in the physical altercation before shots were fired.
Off-duty and on-duty Atlanta Police officers who were nearby responded to the scene and exchanged gunfire with the shooters. Three people were killed in total, and several others were wounded.
King Von was not found at the scene. He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in a private vehicle shortly after the shooting. He was rushed into emergency care but succumbed to his injuries.
King Von Autopsy: Official Findings
The King Von autopsy was conducted by the Fulton County Medical Examiner. Pathologist Edmund Donoghue performed the examination and documented the findings in an official report.
The autopsy confirmed that King Von died from multiple gunshot wounds. A total of at least six gunshot entry points were identified on his body during the examination.
The distribution of gunshot wounds was as follows: one bullet in his right hand, three bullets in his chest, and one bullet that entered through his right eye and exited through the back of his skull. The head wound was identified as the fatal shot.
Scorched powder was found on King Von’s skin during the examination. This forensic detail indicated that at least some of the shots were fired at close range, consistent with a chaotic, close-proximity confrontation.
Edmund Donoghue concluded that the gunshot wound to King Von’s head was the primary fatal injury. The bullet entered through the right eye socket and traveled through his skull, causing catastrophic and unsurvivable brain damage.
Detailed Breakdown of Gunshot Wounds
| Wound Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Right hand | Entry wound, non-fatal |
| Chest (x3) | Three separate entry wounds in chest region |
| Head (right eye) | Entry through right eye, exit through back of skull — fatal wound |
| Skin (powder burns) | Evidence of close-range gunfire |
The chest wounds caused significant internal damage. A lacerated liver was among the internal injuries noted in the autopsy report, along with a fractured skull resulting from the head wound.
The combination of chest injuries and the fatal head wound meant King Von’s injuries were unsurvivable even with emergency medical intervention.
King Von Toxicology Report
The toxicology portion of the autopsy analyzed King Von’s blood and bodily fluids for the presence of substances at the time of death. The findings have been a topic of significant discussion.
Multiple sources referencing the toxicology report indicate the presence of substances including marijuana, codeine, and promethazine. Some reports also reference a high blood alcohol level at the time of death, while at least one autopsy-related source notes the presence of MDMA.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s official toxicology findings noted that none of the substances detected were deemed to have directly caused or primarily contributed to his death. The cause of death remained clearly attributed to the gunshot wounds.
| Substance | Reported Status |
|---|---|
| Marijuana | Detected |
| Codeine | Detected |
| Promethazine | Detected |
| MDMA (per some reports) | Reported present |
| Alcohol | Reported elevated in some accounts |
It is important to note that different sources cite slightly varying toxicology details. The official cause of death is not disputed: King Von died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The Fatal Shot Explained
Forensic pathologist Edmund Donoghue was specific about which wound caused King Von’s death. The shot that entered through his right eye and exited through the back of his skull was identified as the fatal injury.
A gunshot wound of this nature causes immediate and catastrophic damage to brain tissue, blood vessels, and neurological function. Survival from such a wound at close range is virtually impossible.
The trajectory of the bullet — entering at the front of the skull and traveling rearward — also suggested the shot could have been fired at very close range, which aligns with the burnt powder found on King Von’s skin.
The Leaked Autopsy Photos Controversy
Shortly after King Von’s death, graphic and unauthorized photographs from his autopsy began circulating on social media. The images showed King Von on a medical examination table with visible surgical stitching across his torso.
The leak caused immediate outrage across the hip-hop community, among fans, and among public health and privacy advocates. Celebrities and fellow artists condemned the release of the images as deeply disrespectful and a severe violation of privacy.
King Von’s sister, Kayla B, was among the most vocal in responding to the leak. She publicly demanded that the mortician allegedly responsible for sharing the photos be immediately dismissed from their position.
The incident raised serious discussions about medical privacy laws, HIPAA regulations, and the ethical responsibilities of those who handle deceased individuals in medical and mortuary settings.
No official charges related to the leaked photos were publicly confirmed. The identity of the individual who distributed the images remained unclear in public reporting. The photos were widely condemned and many platforms moved to remove them.
| Privacy Concern | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type of breach | Unauthorized release of autopsy photographs |
| Alleged source | Mortuary staff |
| Family response | Kayla B (sister) publicly demanded dismissal |
| Public reaction | Widespread outrage from fans and celebrities |
| Legal framework violated | HIPAA, medical privacy regulations |
| Outcome | No confirmed charges; case closed |
The Investigation: Who Killed King Von?
Atlanta Police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) handled different segments of the investigation. The case moved quickly due to surveillance footage capturing the events outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge.
Timothy “Lul Tim” Leeks, a 22-year-old associate of rapper Quando Rondo, was identified as the primary suspect. Leeks was wounded in the same shootout and was arrested while receiving treatment for his gunshot injuries at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Leeks was charged with felony murder in connection with King Von’s death. Two other individuals, Johnny Harris (21) and Kevin Jones (23), were also arrested and charged in connection with the shooting incident.
Atlanta Police stated clearly that they believed King Von was shot during the initial confrontation between the two groups, before law enforcement officers arrived and discharged their weapons. Police maintained the rapper was not struck by officer gunfire.
The Stand Your Ground Defense and Case Dismissal
The legal case against Timothy Leeks proceeded for approximately two years before a significant development occurred. In 2023, Leeks’ murder charge was officially dismissed by prosecutors.
Leeks’ attorney, Noah Pines, confirmed to 11Alive that the murder charge was dismissed. The dismissal was based on Georgia’s Stand Your Ground law, which permits the use of deadly force when an individual reasonably believes their life is in danger.
The decision was highly controversial and sparked significant anger from fans, the hip-hop community, and King Von’s family. Many viewed the dismissal as a failure of the justice system to hold accountable those responsible for Von’s death.
The case closure did not end the broader conflict. In October 2024, King Von’s close friend Lil Durk was arrested near Miami International Airport on federal charges, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. The charges alleged Durk orchestrated a plot targeting Quando Rondo in retaliation for Von’s death.
| Legal Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| November 6, 2020 | King Von fatally shot at Monaco Hookah Lounge |
| November 7, 2020 | Timothy Leeks charged with felony murder |
| 2021 | Leeks released on $100,000 bond |
| 2023 | Murder charge against Leeks dismissed |
| October 2024 | Lil Durk arrested on murder-for-hire charges |
What the Autopsy Revealed About the Shooting Sequence
The autopsy findings, combined with police and forensic reports, helped investigators piece together what likely happened during the shooting. The multiple wound locations suggest King Von was struck in different positions or orientations during the confrontation.
The wound to his right hand may indicate a defensive posture or a separate moment of impact. The three chest wounds suggest direct engagement at close to medium range during the peak of the shootout.
The fatal head wound — particularly its trajectory through the right eye — suggests King Von may have been struck while facing or partially facing the shooter. This is consistent with a face-to-face confrontation that escalated into gunfire.
The absence of defensive wounds noted in some reports, combined with the close-range powder burns, paints a picture of a rapid, chaotic shooting event that lasted only seconds.
King Von’s Funeral and Burial
King Von was buried on November 15, 2020, in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. The funeral was attended by family, close friends, fellow artists, and community members who loved and admired him.
Lil Durk and other members of the Only the Family collective were present to pay their respects. Tributes poured in from across the hip-hop world and beyond. Fans gathered in Chicago and across the country to mourn his passing.
A mural of King Von was later commissioned by art gallery owner Delilah Martinez on a large wall overlooking Martin Luther King Drive in the Parkway Gardens complex where Von grew up. The mural was painted by artist Chris Devins in August 2021.
Posthumous Music and Lasting Legacy
Despite dying at 26, King Von left behind a body of work that continues to reach new audiences years after his death. Posthumous releases have kept his music alive and introduced him to new fans.
What It Means to Be King was released in February 2022 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, one of the highest chart positions of his career. The album was completed using previously recorded material and was executed with care by his estate.
Grandson, his final posthumous studio album, was released in July 2023. It featured tracks recorded before his death and debuted with strong commercial and critical reception. Music videos filmed before his passing were released alongside posthumous singles.
King Von was included in the In Memoriam segment at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. His contributions to drill music, his storytelling style, and his authentic portrayal of life in Chicago’s South Side remain hugely influential on the next generation of rappers.
| Posthumous Release | Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|
| What It Means to Be King | 2022 | #2 Billboard 200 |
| Grandson | 2023 | Strong commercial debut |
| Various posthumous singles | 2020–2024 | Multiple charting entries |
King Von’s Impact on Hip-Hop
King Von’s legacy in hip-hop is defined by his ability to tell stories. His narrative-driven lyrics, often drawn directly from his own life experiences on O’Block, were unmatched in their authenticity and detail.
Songs like “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O” demonstrated a cinematic quality rare in rap. He built fully realized stories within his verses, complete with characters, plot, and emotional depth that resonated with millions of listeners.
His influence is felt widely across the younger generation of Chicago rappers and beyond. Many artists cite King Von as a blueprint for authentic, experience-driven storytelling in modern hip-hop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the official cause of King Von’s death?
The Fulton County Medical Examiner officially ruled that King Von died from multiple gunshot wounds. The fatal shot entered through his right eye and exited through the back of his skull.
How many times was King Von shot?
The King Von autopsy report found at least six gunshot wounds on his body — one in his right hand, three in his chest, and one fatal shot to the head area entering through the right eye.
Who shot King Von?
Timothy “Lul Tim” Leeks, an associate of rapper Quando Rondo, was identified and charged with King Von’s murder. His murder charge was later dismissed in 2023 under Georgia’s Stand Your Ground law.
What did the King Von toxicology report show?
Toxicology findings reported the presence of substances including marijuana, codeine, promethazine, and in some accounts MDMA. None of the substances were determined to be the cause of death.
Were autopsy photos of King Von leaked?
Yes. Graphic and unauthorized photographs from King Von’s autopsy were leaked on social media. His sister Kayla B publicly condemned the leak and called for the dismissal of the mortuary worker allegedly responsible.
Where did King Von get shot?
King Von was shot outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge at 255 Trinity Avenue in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, in the early hours of November 6, 2020, at approximately 3:20 a.m.
Was anyone convicted for King Von’s murder?
No one was convicted. Timothy Leeks was initially charged with felony murder but his charge was dismissed in 2023. The dismissal was based on Georgia’s Stand Your Ground law.
When was King Von’s autopsy conducted?
The autopsy was conducted by the Fulton County Medical Examiner shortly after King Von’s death on November 6, 2020, and the report was made available in the days following his passing.
How old was King Von when he died?
King Von was 26 years old when he died. He was born on August 9, 1994, and was shot on November 6, 2020, just months after releasing his debut album Welcome to O’Block.
What is King Von’s legacy after his death?
King Von’s legacy lives on through his music, which continues to chart posthumously. His storytelling style deeply influenced modern drill rap, and his posthumous album What It Means to Be King debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 in 2022.
Conclusion
The King Von autopsy results confirmed what was already a devastating truth for the hip-hop world: one of the genre’s most gifted storytellers was taken far too soon by gun violence.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s report documented multiple gunshot wounds, with the fatal shot piercing his right eye and exiting through the back of his skull.
Beyond the clinical findings, the case sparked important conversations about privacy, justice, and the violence that continues to claim young lives in communities like O’Block.
The dismissal of charges against the suspected shooter added further pain to an already grieving community. Yet King Von’s legacy endures.
His music, his storytelling, and his authenticity continue to inspire millions of listeners around the world, ensuring that Dayvon Daquan Bennett will never be forgotten.
