Atlanta, GA – A late-night shooting outside a popular Atlanta bar has ignited widespread anger after an autopsy revealed that 44-year-old Linton “B-Green” Blackwell was shot 17 times in the back by an off-duty police officer. The incident, which unfolded outside 5 Paces Inn on October 12, has prompted calls for accountability as state investigators continue to examine what happened.
Autopsy Findings Raise Serious Concerns
Authorities confirmed that Officer Gerald Walker, who was working an extra-duty security shift at the bar, confronted Blackwell shortly after 11:30 p.m. Atlanta police say Walker responded to a report of a “disruptive person” and located Blackwell attempting to enter the building through a back door.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reported that Blackwell walked away toward the parking lot and entered a vehicle, where Walker claimed he saw him “put an item in the small of his back.” Walker issued commands referencing a gun before opening fire.
When the autopsy later revealed 17 gunshot wounds to the back, community members, friends, and family questioned whether the shooting was justified.
Questions About Use of Force
Paramedics pronounced Blackwell dead on the scene, and investigators recovered a firearm. But that discovery has not eased the emotional response surrounding the fatal encounter.
Blackwell’s longtime friend and manager, Timothy Coleman, expressed shock and disbelief upon learning the number of shots.
“I just couldn’t believe it was 17 times in the back. There’s not one shot in the front,” Coleman said.
Coleman insisted that the shooting could not be justified if Blackwell was not posing a direct threat.
“If he wasn’t pointing a gun at you or doing anything, what does that have to do with shooting him in the back 17 times? That means he wasn’t facing you. He wasn’t a threat.”
Community Outrage and Demands for Accountability
Coleman publicly called for the officer to face criminal charges, saying the actions went beyond any reasonable use of force.
“I want him locked up. Gerald Walker needs to be behind bars,” he emphasized.
Blackwell, known in Atlanta’s music scene as “B-Green,” had a close circle of family and friends who are now demanding transparency and accountability as investigators piece together the events of that night.
What Investigators Are Looking At
The GBI is currently the lead agency handling the case, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. Their review will include:
- Surveillance footage from the bar and nearby businesses
- Witness statements from patrons and staff
- The officer’s body camera, if required for extra-duty work
- Forensic analysis of the shooting scene
When the investigation concludes, the findings will be handed to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether the officer was justified or if criminal charges are warranted.
A Closer Look at Officer-Involved Shooting Protocols
Cases involving large numbers of shots fired, especially into a suspect’s back, often receive increased scrutiny. Experts note that several factors are typically reviewed to determine whether force was lawful:
- Was the suspect fleeing, resisting, or armed?
- Did the officer reasonably perceive an imminent threat?
- Could de-escalation or alternative tactics have been used?
- Was the force proportional to the threat level?
With 17 rounds discharged, prosecutors will examine whether the volume of fire aligned with accepted use-of-force standards.
Community Impact and GBI’s Role
Officer-involved shootings in Georgia routinely draw strong reactions, especially when questions arise about transparency and accountability. Families often look to the GBI for an impartial review, and the agency’s findings typically guide the district attorney’s decision.
This case has already prompted discussions about:
- Training for off-duty officers working security
- Policies governing engagement with potentially armed individuals
- Whether additional oversight is needed for officers working extra shifts
As the investigation continues, Blackwell’s family and supporters say they will keep pushing for answers and justice.
Final Thoughts
The fatal shooting of Linton “B-Green” Blackwell has raised serious questions about the use of force, the officer’s decisions, and the handling of the encounter outside 5 Paces Inn. With an autopsy confirming 17 gunshot wounds to the back, many are waiting to see whether prosecutors will determine the shooting was justified or pursue charges against Officer Gerald Walker.
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