Emotions ran deep in Atlanta on Monday (April 7) as family, friends, and fans gathered to mourn the loss of rapper Young Scooter, who tragically died on his 39th birthday. The funeral service, held at Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta, brought the city together in remembrance of a life that ended far too soon.
Various sources captured poignant scenes from the somber occasion, showing Scooter’s casket carried by devastated loved ones as mourners looked on. The ceremony, though heavy with emotion, was also a celebration of the beloved rapper who helped shape Atlanta’s sound.
In a symbolic tribute to peace, hope, and freedom, white doves were also released into the sky following the service. To finalize his departure from this world, Young Scooter, neé Kenneth Edward Rashaad Bailey, will be buried in Walterboro, South Carolina, where his journey began.
Scooter’s death unfolded after a chaotic and tragic sequence of events that began with a 911 “swatter” call placed by Demi Blanco (born Demetria Spencer), a reality star known from Zeus Network’s Baddies. Spencer has since been under public scrutiny for what authorities say was a false report. In her initial call, she claimed to be part of the “Neighborhood Watch” and reported seeing a “naked and bloody” woman being assaulted outside a home in Atlanta’s Lakewood Heights neighborhood. That call prompted an immediate police response to the home, where Young Scooter had been present.
When officers arrived, they reported seeing Bailey attempt to flee. While trying to scale a wooden fence, he suffered a severe arterial injury to his thigh. The Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed his cause of death as “accidental” due to blood loss from that injury. Police have since emphasized they never discharged their firearms or used force. “While we understand that many people are saddened by his passing, it is important to recognize that Atlanta police officers neither discharged their firearms nor used any force against Mr. Bailey,” the department said in a statement.
Audio from the 911 call later revealed Spencer struggled to provide a clear description of the alleged assailant, and responding officers found no evidence to support her claims. On April 1, Spencer attempted to explain herself during an Instagram Live, saying, “There’s a reaction for every action. This is part A, you guys didn’t have part A, you guys only had part B.” She continued, “In the narrative it looks like I’m trying to set this man up. I’m giving you what led up to the call. I was physically abused, so I called to protect myself. I never had any intentions to get anybody hurt.”
Spencer was arrested for making the false emergency report. She was charged and subsequently released on a $7,500 bond.
The family of Young Scooter released a statement to VIBE expressing their devastation and the need for clarity. “We are completely devastated by the loss of Kenneth ‘Young Scooter’ Bailey and are currently still waiting for more information to understand the circumstance,” the statement read. “Young Scooter was more than just a Hip-Hop artist; he was a phenomenal father and mentor to a lot of Atlanta youth pursuing both sports and music. Scooter was their advocate and support system. He always encouraged his children and the youth to pursue their dreams no matter what.”
The message concluded with: “The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and love from the city and all over the country. At this time, they are requesting privacy and prayers as they grieve and wait for answers.”
See footage from the heartbreaking occasion above.
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