Crime
Lyft Driver Fatally Shot While Working Security Job, Suspect in Custody
Last updated on December 10th, 2024 at 11:13 pm
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
Two Dead, Two Injured in Marion Shooting; Authorities Identify One Victim as 16-Year-Old Kaiden Allen
MARION, S.C. — Two individuals were killed and two others wounded in a shooting that occurred Thursday night in Marion, prompting a large multi-agency response, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene on Tubello Court following reports of gunfire at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. As of 9:00 p.m., two of the victims were confirmed deceased.
One of the deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Kaiden Allen.
The crime scene remained active late into the night, with updates confirming that it was still being processed as of 10:22 p.m.
A coordinated response involved personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, its K-9 Unit, the Marion and Mullins Police Departments, federal law enforcement agencies, and agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities have not yet released the identities or conditions of the two surviving victims.
Investigators have also not commented on a potential motive or whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward by calling 843-423-8399. The investigation remains ongoing.