Doe B was a promising rapper from Montgomery, Alabama, who had signed with T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records and Interscope Records. He was known for his distinctive eye patch, which he wore after being shot in the face in 2009. He had released several mixtapes, including Trap Life and Baby Jesus, and appeared on the Hustle Gang’s G.D.O.D. compilation. He was working on his debut studio album, which was expected to be released in early 2014. However, his life and career were cut short when he was fatally shot at a bar and grill in his hometown on December 28, 2013. He was only 22 years old.
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The Shooting Incident
According to Billboard, Doe B and another person were killed during an incident at the Centennial Bar and Grill on Highland Avenue in Montgomery, around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013. Six other patrons were injured in the shooting. The other victim was identified as Kimberle Johnson, a 21-year-old student at Troy University. No arrests were made at the time.
The Centennial was formerly known as the Rose Supper Club, which had been the site of another shooting in December 2012 that left six people wounded. Following the latest shooting, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange ordered the club to be closed immediately, citing public safety concerns.
The Motive and the Suspects
The motive behind the shooting was not clear at first, but some reports suggested that it was related to a long-standing feud between Doe B and another local rapper named T.I.P., who had allegedly threatened Doe B on social media before. According to AL.com, T.I.P. was arrested on January 3, 2014, and charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with the shooting. He pleaded not guilty and claimed that he was not at the club that night.
However, he was not the only suspect in the case. On January 7, 2014, another man named Jason McWilliams turned himself in to the police and was also charged with two counts of capital murder. According to WSFA 12 News, McWilliams was an acquaintance of Doe B and had a dispute with him over money. He also pleaded not guilty and denied being involved in the shooting.
On January 13, 2014, a third suspect named Darius Thomas was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder as well. According to The Montgomery Advertiser, Thomas was a friend of McWilliams and had accompanied him to the club that night. He also pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence.
The Trial and the Verdict
The trial for the three suspects began on February 10, 2020, more than six years after the shooting. The prosecution argued that McWilliams was the mastermind behind the attack and that he had recruited T.I.P. and Thomas to help him carry it out. They presented evidence from surveillance videos, eyewitness testimonies, ballistics reports, and phone records to support their case.
The defense lawyers for each suspect tried to cast doubt on the prosecution’s evidence and suggested that there were other possible shooters or motives involved. They also questioned the credibility of some of the witnesses and pointed out inconsistencies in their statements.
The jury deliberated for about four hours before reaching a verdict on February 14, 2020. They found McWilliams guilty of two counts of capital murder and six counts of attempted murder. They found T.I.P. guilty of one count of capital murder and six counts of attempted murder. They found Thomas not guilty of all charges.
According to WSFA 12 News, McWilliams and T.I.P. were sentenced to life in prison without parole on March 16, 2020. Thomas was released from custody after being acquitted.
The Legacy of Doe B
Despite his tragic death, Doe B’s music lives on through his fans and fellow artists. His management team released two posthumous projects: D.O.A.T. 3 (Definition of a Trapper) and Doe B Presents C.B.M.: Choppaz, Brickz & Money, which featured songs by Doe B and his label mates from Cote Block Music. Several tribute songs were also made by rappers such as T.I., Raekwon, Pastor Troy, Young Dro, Trae Tha Truth, Zaytoven, and more.
Doe B is remembered as an amazing young man who touched the lives of many people with his talent, charisma, and generosity. He left behind three children: Glenn Jr., Maliyah (who died in a car accident in 2018), and Madison (who was born after his death). His family and friends continue to honor his memory and legacy through various initiatives such as scholarships, foundations, murals, documentaries, and more.
Doe B’s death was a huge loss for the hip hop community and the city of Montgomery. He was a rising star who had a bright future ahead of him. He was a victim of senseless violence that claimed his life and the life of another innocent person. He was a legend who will never be forgotten.
