Atlanta rapper YFN Lucci was released from the Fulton County Jail on Monday after posting a $500,000 surety bond, records show.
The 29-year-old rapper, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, had been behind bars since his Jan. 13 arrest in a deadly drive-by shooting in southwest Atlanta. Bennett is facing a murder charge as the accused getaway driver.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, police believe Bennett is a member of a criminal street gang. He is accused of driving three other alleged gang members into rival gang territory Dec. 10 before two people in his car opened fire with assault-style rifles.
One of Bennett’s passengers, 28-year-old James Adams, was struck in the head by return gunfire and later died. Atlanta police officers responding to the shooting found him lying in the middle of Peeples Street.
They believe he was tossed from the car, according to the warrant.
Another victim, an unidentified 32-year-old man, showed up at nearby Atlanta Fire Station 14 on Dimmock Street with a gunshot wound to his stomach. He survived, authorities said.
Two others, 23-year-old Ra’von Boyd and 17-year-old Leroy Pitts, were arrested in the case after authorities tracked them to Miami. Investigators have accused Boyd of shooting from Bennett’s front seat. They believe Adams, the slain man, was the second shooter.
It’s unclear what role the teen is accused of playing in the shooting.
Charges were announced against Bennett on Jan. 12. The graduate of Atlanta’s Crim High School surrendered to authorities the following day — but not before releasing his latest music video on his Twitter and Instagram pages.
New Rolled On music video Out Now featuring @MozzyThaMotive https://t.co/NHYc7TTUPT
— IG: YFNLUCCI (@YFNLUCCI) January 13, 2021
The rapper, best known for his songs “Key to the Streets” and “Everyday We Lit,” was denied bond following his first appearance before a judge. A bond order filed in his case Monday was not immediately available for review.
He is now waiting for a grand jury to consider his case for indictment on charges of murder, aggravated assault, participation in a criminal street gang and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
“Our review of the initial evidence made available to us indicates there is no basis for any criminal charges against Rayshawn Bennett,” his attorney, Drew Findling, previously told the AJC. “We will continue our own independent investigation on his behalf.”
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
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