Man arrested in fatal shooting at Atlanta lounge owned by rapper 2 Chainz

More than eight months after an employee of a downtown Atlanta nightclub was shot and killed over admission prices, police said they’ve put the person responsible behind bars.

Malik Payne, 24, was arrested Wednesday by U.S. marshals in Clifton Township, Michigan, in connection with the Oct. 29 shooting that killed Caleb Culbreath. Investigators said 27-year-old Culbreath was shot during a fight over the admission price to the Members Only lounge on Ralph McGill Boulevard.

ExploreEmployee killed at Atlanta nightclub owned by rapper 2 Chainz

Owned by Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz, Members Only bills itself as “Atlanta’s exclusive VIP lounge for the city’s socialites and elite professionals.” Those wishing to be members of the lounge must complete an online application for consideration.

When officers arrived at the club about 2:20 a.m. on the day of the shooting, they found Culbreath with a wound to the chest, Atlanta police said. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital but did not survive.

Payne remains in custody in Michigan on charges of felony murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is awaiting extradition to Atlanta.

About the Author

MLK Day, Juneteenth cut from national parks’ free days; Trump’s birthday added

The Trump administration has altered which days national parks will allow free entry for residents and citizens next year.

LISTEN

‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Holy Booty: The Weight of Beauty Standards

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play ‘It’s UATL’” podcast.