'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Kandi Burruss' ex-fiance Ashley 'A.J.' Jewell was killed after a fight outside popular Atlanta strip club, The Body Tap, late Friday night.
He was rushed to Piedmont Hospital, where he later died.
Atlanta Police Lt. Keith Meadows confirmed, "It appears he was involved in an altercation in the parking lot and received a severe blow to the head."
Meadows said that the police have developed a person of interest in the case, adding, "we've made contact with him to question him about the incident."
(SEE ARREST UPDATE BELOW.)
The Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter's publicist, Lisa Nelson, confirmed to WSBTV.com that Burruss was "stunned and speechless" and that "the family is asking for privacy during this very difficult time."
Burruss, a former member of the platinum '90s R&B group Xscape, recently revealed that she and Jewell split.
The couple, who were engaged earlier this year, have chronicled their relationship on the Bravo reality show 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.'
Burruss is also currently raising Jewell's twin daughters.
"AJ's murder is horrific, not only for his family, including the six beautiful children he is leaving behind, but also for Kandi, who obviously still loves him despite their broken engagement," Atlanta-area entertainment journalist Isoul Harris, who has a professional friendship with Burrus told BV Newswire today. "Also, this is another case of senseless violence that's not only rampant in Atlanta, but all over the country."
UPDATED, 11:33 a.m.: Police told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper that they have charged Frederick Richardson with voluntary manslaughter in the beating death of Jewell. Richardson is currently hospitalized at Grady Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained in the fight. He will be jailed once released by medical staff. Though the cause of the fight is still unknown, police confirmed that witnesses were cooperating.
'It's a great thing that a suspect has been arrested in this case," Harris added. "It surely brings a little comfort to his friends and family."
The Atlanta native, who also changed her Twitter profile picture to a flick of her and Jewell, ask fans to remember Jewell leaves behind six children. "Please pray for AJ's children, that's who im the most concerned 4. Im just in one of those moods where I dont wanna talk, I dont wanna b held & told its gonna b ok. I just wanna cry myself 2 sleep, alone."
"Right now, she is just trying to wrap her head around the fact that he is gone," Harris concluded.
Comments: (37)
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By: So Sad on 10/03/2009 12:30PM
What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: judy on 10/03/2009 12:35PM
It is such a terrible thing to have happened to AJ, my deepest sympathy to his children, family and friend..They will be in my prayers..will these senseless crime ever stop?
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By: Quinda on 10/03/2009 12:56PM
My heart goes out to you Kandi and his family for your loss. As a mom of 6 myself I cant begin to imagine how his kids are feeling about the loss of their dad. May GOD bring you comfort and peace during this tough time.
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By: Sandra Mingo on 10/03/2009 1:55PM
my prayers go out to the families of AJ, lets you know we are not promised tomorrow, live today with compassion for others
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By: febea on 10/03/2009 2:54PM
Horrific! No one is immune to this uglyness. Only God knows how humanity will end up. Keep Praying.
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By: Boudreau on 10/03/2009 7:15PM
Kandi- My prayes go out to you for your loss. I myself went thru something similiar about five years ago, My Fience was murdered....out of the blue, with no warning...by the hands of another young black male. Keep your faith, keep breathing and take your time getting through each min, each hour and each day. People say some real stupid things..it is ok to sleep & be alone, you have to eat though, even if its crackers...u gotta eat even though I know you have no energy to do so....focus on getting thru the days, and remember that GOD truly does have a plan for you. YOu do not owe anyone anything...not your time, not your voice, not your energy. People will tell you it will get better with time, it doesnt get better it is just different! I know that thoughts are running thru your mind like crazy right now, and it seems unfair. Nothing anyone can say or do is going to heal you. I hope your peace is respected, and I for one have you & the children in my prayers. You are a beautiful, strong positive woman. God has you. He is there. He will not let you go! I dont know if you will read this, I hope you will. I know I am a stranger to you, but if you need anything, even if it is just to sit on the phone in silence with someone who has been where you are and feels & knows your pain, call me.... 310-779-0273. As sisters in god I reach out to you! I am sorry to hear about your uncle. The devil is a LIE! I wish you peace. God Bless...Boudreau!
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By: Dawn on 10/04/2009 2:58PM
Dear Lord! I come to you this morning pleading for peace. Peace from
the hurt we go through when something like this touches close to
home. A love one taken away from us without us having a chance to
prepare ourselves for what is about to happen. Not a A chance to say
good-bye and a chance to say I Love You! Lord please just touch our
minds, hearts and souls. I know we all will leave this life some day
and we don't know how, when and were we r going to leave. But Lord
mourning and grieving, the hurt is a bit unbarring! I come to you
Lord for the family and friends of A.J. Please bring peace to them
for A.J.'s life coming to an unexpected end and help them to live on
with this. This I bring to you in your precious name Lord Jesus. Amen
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By: Theresa on 10/04/2009 4:42PM
Boudreau: Just wanted to let you know that PRAYERS are being sent up for you, and your loss also!! GOD BLESS YOU!! You are keeping the faith!
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By: angeandre4 on 10/05/2009 9:58PM
Your words of encouragement, of love and faith was good but you should not put your phone number on line. I was able to find out where you are from--anyone else may be able to find out more.
God Bless
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By: blc on 10/03/2009 8:47PM
Where is Rev. Sharpton.....he never wants to protest "black on black" crime. This is no different the the killing of school children in Chicago. The cause is parental defiencies! If the parents are out running in the streets, who is going to raise the children.
Kandi, I love you on the show. You are full of elegance, class & goodness. But maybe in the bigger picture, your mom was right about your engagement to AJ. It doesn't speak well of a man that has 6 children by different mothers. He was not cut from the same character cloth that you were. It shows a level of irresponsibility, impulsiveness & immaturity. God never gives you more than you can handle. Hang in there girl. We love you.
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