Big Boi is mourning the devastating loss of his uncle after a road rage confrontation turned deadly on a busy Atlanta street last month.
Remoin Thomas Patton Sr., 66, was shot and killed on June 16 while trying to make a turn near Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard NW and Rock Street, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
The altercation escalated when Patton exchanged words with another driver and was shot in the back. His vehicle then crashed into a vacant home.
The man accused of pulling the trigger, 18-year-old Jabyrion Crumbley, turned himself in on July 2. He faces charges of murder, aggravated assault and illegal possession of a firearm.
His alleged accomplice, 32-year-old Janisha Crumbley, was arrested on June 20 for hindering the apprehension of a fugitive.
Patton’s nephew, Big Boi, one-half of the legendary Hip-Hop duo Outkast, issued a heartfelt statement following the tragedy.
“Everybody who knows Uncle Moonie heart aches,” he told WSB-TV. “He wasn’t just ‘My’ Uncle, he was Unk to all that met him. A moment of rage has in totally pierced the heart of my family forever. May Uncle Moonie’s soul rest in peace.”
Police said the incident began as a traffic dispute and quickly escalated into violence.
After being shot, Patton lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a nearby residence. No one inside the home was injured.
The Atlanta Police Department launched an investigation immediately after the shooting. Surveillance footage and witness accounts helped identify the suspects.
Jabyrion Crumbley remains in custody as of July 3.
His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.