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.

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

Keep Reading

A Korean Air plane takes off from Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The plane is chartered to bring back Korean workers detained in an immigration raid in Georgia. (Yonhap via AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com