Rapper Dolla Shot and Killed in Los Angeles Mall
Atlanta-based rapper Dolla was shot and killed at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles yesterday afternoon. According to reports, the 21-year-old, born Roderick Anthony Burton II, was sitting with a friend, fellow rapper DJ Shabazz, when he was shot in the head. He was then taken to Cedar-Sinai Hospital where he later died.
Customers eating in a nearby Chipotle restaurant alerted police after they heard gunshots. "The customers were yelling 'close the store, close the store, because somebody is shooting,'" said Elsa Hernandez, general manager of the restaurant.
According to Burton's publicist, Sue Vannasing, the two were waiting in the valet area of the mall when they were approached. Burton's identity was confirmed by both Vannasing and Shabazz. Following the shooting, two suspects fled the scene in a silver Mercedes SUV heading towards Los Angeles International Airport.
Departed Music Personalities
Dolla, May 18: The Atlanta-based rapper, whose real name is Roderick Anthony Burton II, was gunned down outside a Los Angeles mall. Burton's publicist told reporters he was waiting at a valet stand after a shopping trip when a gunman shot him. The 'Make a Toast' star was 21. A suspect is in custody.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
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Airport police were alerted to the suspect's whereabouts and approached a man fitting the description. The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Aubrey Berry and was apprehended while sitting in the lobby of the airport terminal. He was allegedly attempting to board a plane. Upon seeing police, Berry stood up and informed them that he was carrying a 9 millimeter handgun. He was then taken into custody. Police have not yet released any information regarding the alleged second assailant.
Burton arrived in Los Angeles early yesterday and went to the mall to do some shopping. Vannasing said that the disagreement could have started while he was at the airport. "They followed him to the mall because they knew he was coming," she said.
A burgeoning rapper, Burton was signed to singer/producer Akon's Konvict Music Label. He is best known for the single 'Who The Heck is That,' featuring T-Pain.
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