Crime
Lyft Driver Fatally Shot While Working Security Job, Suspect in Custody
Last updated on April 4th, 2026 at 06:22 am
DeKalb County, GA — The tragic killing of 31-year-old Rafeeq Badee has shaken the DeKalb County community, as police continue their investigation into his senseless death.
Badee, a Lyft driver and security guard, was shot and killed on the job at the Parkway Grand Apartment Complex on Woodberry Place on the evening of November 30. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots around 7:30 p.m., followed by a man screaming. When officers arrived, they found Badee in the parking lot, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities confirmed that Badee’s car was stolen after the shooting. According to his mother, LaGina Living, Badee had turned on his Lyft app shortly before leaving for his security job in Atlanta, as he often drove for Lyft before or after his shifts.
Late Thursday, DeKalb Police announced the arrest of 28-year-old David Grogan, who turned himself in to police headquarters. Grogan was interviewed by homicide investigators and subsequently charged with felony murder and armed robbery. He is currently being held at the DeKalb Jail.
Police have indicated that additional arrests are expected, as witnesses reported seeing several suspects fleeing the scene.
A Life Remembered
Badee’s mother described her son as a “beautiful soul” and expressed her devastation over his loss. “I told him every time to be careful. He didn’t think this would happen, but it did,” she said. “I never thought I’d have to explain his life because he’s supposed to outlive me.” Badee is survived by his mother and a younger brother.
Lyft issued a statement expressing condolences to Badee’s family, pledging cooperation with the investigation. The company also confirmed that the rider Badee was picking up, who has not been publicly identified, has been permanently banned from using the platform.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a hardworking young man whose life was tragically cut short.
Crime
Parma Community Mourns Following Student Death at Valley Forge High School
Parma High School Incident Leaves Students in Shock Following Reported Self-Inflicted Shooting
Parma, Ohio — An incident reported at Valley Forge High School has left students and the wider community deeply shaken after a student reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to accounts shared by students, the incident occurred around dismissal time, when many were preparing to leave campus. Early reports indicate that the student had been facing ongoing mental health challenges prior to the tragedy.
While official details from authorities and school administrators remain limited, the emotional impact on students has been immediate and profound. Many described feelings of disbelief, shock, and distress as news of the incident spread throughout the school.
Counseling resources and support services are expected to be made available to students and staff as the community begins to process the loss. School officials have not yet released the identity of the student.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns surrounding youth mental health and the importance of timely support and intervention. Further information is expected as authorities continue to assess the situation.
