Atlanta, Georgia – The man accused of killing Atlanta rapper Slim Dunkin turned himself in to police Monday. Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Vinson Hardimon, also known as rapper Young Vito, turned himself in to police Monday, Dec. 26, 2011. Vinson Hardimon, 28, also known as Young Vito, is being held at the Fulton County jail on murder and gun possession charges pending a bond hearing.

According to witnesses, while at a video shoot in a Memorial Drive studio, Slim Dunkin, whose real name was Mario Hamilton, was shot in the chest on the evening of Dec. 16 during a fight that allegedly started over a piece of candy, police said.

Investigators believe Hardimon was the man who argued with Slim Dunkin, eventually pulling out a pistol and firing at the young rapper.

Atlanta police put out a lookout for Hardimon, and through the media advised Hardimon to turn himself in, warning that his life might be in danger.

“I got a call today from his attorney,” Atlanta police homicide Det. David Quinn told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday. “He said he wished to turn himself in.”

Sometime after 2 p.m., attorney Derrick Wright brought Hardimon to Atlanta Police headquarters, Quinn said. From there, Hardimon was taken to the Fulton jail.

Quinn pointed out that Hardimon’s appearance had changed significantly after the shooting, comparing his picture in the wanted poster to the man who showed up Monday.

“He cut off those dreadlocks and was clean-shaven,” Quinn said, pointing out a previous photo showed Hardimon with a dark goatee and mustache and long hair.

Hardimon has been arrested at least four times in Fulton County dating back to 2004 on charges ranging from traffic violations to aggravated assault and child cruelty.

Each arrest included charges for carrying a gun, whether illegally concealing weapons or using a firearm while committing a felony, according to jail records.

Slim Dunkin was considered an up-and-comer in local rap star Waka Flaka Flame’s Brick Squad Monopoly hip hop collective.

Investigators are still trying to piece together the facts behind the shooting, Quinn said.

“There were at least 30 people in the studio at the time of the shooting,” he said. “They should get in touch with me. We want the facts. It’s the right thing to do.”

Police are asking that anyone with information in the case call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477 or contact Quinn at 404-245-8039.

(Source: The Atlanta Journal)