Ludacris’ manager, Chaka Zulu, charged with murder in June shooting

Rapper Ludacris’ manager faces manslaughter charges in connection with the June shooting in Atlanta.

Chaka Zulu, whose legal name is Ahmed Obafemi, turned himself in on Tuesday, the Atlanta Police Department said. Atlanta news outlets report that he was released on bail the same day. Police said they also obtained warrants for him on charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and simple battery.

The longtime music executive’s attorney, Gabe Banks, released a statement expressing his disappointment at the decision to press charges. Banks said the evidence clearly shows that Zulu — who was injured in the incident — acted in self-defense while at least four others attacked him in the June incident.

Zulu was among three people shot on June 26 in a parking lot in the Buckhead area. One person died.

Banks’ statement said Zulu defended himself with a firearm he was licensed to carry.

“It was not lost on Mr. Zulu that a life was lost, but if Mr. Zulu had not lawfully defended himself, Mr. Zulu would have been killed that night,” the statement said.

Killed in the June shooting was 23-year-old Artiz Benton, whose family described him as passionate, hardworking and devoted to his family.

“He did everything right,” his father, Artis Benton, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution after the shooting. “I never thought this would be the end for him.”