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.
Here’s what we know so far about the Charlie Kirk murder case, summarized in clear bullet points:
What’s Known About the Charlie Kirk Murder
- When & Where
- Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Mountain Time during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Wikipedia)
- Event Details
- The event was the launch of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was at his “Prove Me Wrong” table, responding to questions from students. (Wikipedia)
- A student had just asked about the number of mass shootings by transgender individuals, and Kirk was answering that question when he was shot. (Wikipedia)
- Nature of the Attack
- The shooter fired a single long-range shot, hitting Kirk in the neck. The shot appeared to come from a rooftop nearby (reports put the distance at around 142–200 yards). (Wikipedia)
- Security
- About 3,000 people were present. Security consisted of six university police officers (some in plain clothes) plus Kirk’s private security. Observers have said security was relatively lax—no tickets were required and no metal detectors were used. (Wikipedia)
- Immediate Aftermath
- Two individuals were initially detained as persons of interest but were released after questioning, confirmed not to be the shooter. (Wikipedia)
- The shooter remains at large. Authorities have not released a name or motive yet. (The Washington Post)
- Investigation & Evidence
- The FBI and local law enforcement are leading the investigation. They’ve released photos and video of a person of interest and are asking the public for help. Over 7,000 tips have been received. (The Guardian)
- A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
- A .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle (Mauser system) was recovered in a nearby wooded area, wrapped in a towel. Forensic evidence such as shoe prints, palm prints, and cartridge casings are being analyzed. (New York Post)
- Legal & Political Response
- Utah authorities announced their intention to pursue the death penalty if the shooter is caught. (CBS News)
- President Trump announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (People.com)
- The killing has sparked widespread national outrage, with both sides of the political spectrum condemning the violence—though rhetoric has been sharply divided. (The Guardian)
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sept 10, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. MT |
| Location | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| Victim | Charlie Kirk, age 31, conservative activist |
| Attack Type | Long-range shooting from rooftop using a bolt-action rifle |
| Security | Private security + university officers, criticized as minimal |
| Suspect Status | Shooter at large; no confirmed arrests |
| Investigation | FBI leading, released suspect images, offering $100K reward |
| Evidence | Recovery of rifle, forensic evidence collected |
| Legal Actions | Death penalty intended if perpetrator is found |
| Reactions | National outrage; Trump to honor Kirk’s legacy posthumously |