Atlanta wrestler killed by former local police officer – Georgia Voice – Gay & LGBT Atlanta News

Reginald Folks, also known by his wrestling persona Reggie Rage, is remembered by loved ones as “a good soul” after he was shot and killed in Union City by former Atlanta police officer Koby Minor on May 12. Minor was charged with murder and aggravated assault.

At the time, Folks was working as a Lyft driver to raise money for his wrestling career when Minor, an APD officer on unpaid administrative leave following an unrelated arrest in December 2023, was ordered home his home.

According to reports, Minor said he heard voices in his ear telling him that Folks was “in a gay fraternity and was trying to recruit Minor into it and thought he was being kidnapped by Folks.”

The report also states that “he heard what he thought was another voice in his ear speaking to him, but he did not say what that voice was saying.”

At the intersection of Stonewall Tell Road and South Fulton Parkway, Minor told police he attempted to unlock and exit the vehicle. When he couldn’t, he shot Folks three times in the head.

People trained at AR Fox’s World Wrestling Alliance 4. In a social media post, WWA4 wrote: “We are heartbroken. Devastated. Reggie Rage, we all love you. You lit the 4 EVERY TIME you came. I’ll miss you.”

People’s friend and fellow wrestler Christian Turner said Atlanta News First about the last day he saw Folks.

“The last time I saw him was Monday. He was very excited,” Turner said. “He was showing everyone his brand new shirt because he made his first professional wrestling shirt.”

Despite what his stage name suggested, Folks was known to be a happy person.

“A lot of young kids looked up to him,” said his coach, Thomas Ballester. “He was a role model.”

Today, a community mourns the tragic and unexpected loss of a beloved member.

Although the circumstances of Minor’s current mental health condition and his December 2023 arrest are not publicly known, his statements to Union City police allude, at least in part, to homophobic motivations. People’s sexual orientation is neither confirmed nor relevant to Minor’s actions. However, homophobia and anti-LGBTQ attitudes have long been perpetuated by law enforcement and the gay panic defense – a legal strategy aimed at “excusing crimes such as murder and assault on the grounds of that the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame.” violent response by the accused,” according to the American Bar Association — is only prohibited in 19 states. Georgia is not one of them.

Sgt. John Chafee, APD spokesman, confirmed that Minor’s resignation from APD was immediate and effective upon his arrest. He also spoke about the department’s collective efforts to promote the safety of the LGBTQ community. He did not discuss the reasons for Minor’s extended leave or confirm the content of his statements to police.

“We believe we have made significant progress in ensuring that each of our communities feels valued and protected,” said Sgt. » said Chafee. “Our agency is representative of the diverse city we serve. Many of our officers are members of the LGBTQ+ community, including several officers in management and senior management positions, as well as our Chief of Police.

Renegade Independent Professional Wrestling is hosting a “Rage Against Gun Violence” wrestling match in Reggie’s honor on Sunday, June 30 at the Kagez Sports Hall, located at 3788 Campbellton Rd. SW. Tickets range from $7 to $20. Follow @RIPWrestling404 on Instagram or view the event flyer here for more information.