Atlanta, GA— A 21-year-old Morehouse College student, Nigel Belser, has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Akash Banerjee, a 22-year-old Indian-origin Georgia Tech senior.
The incident occurred on May 18 at The Connector Apartments in Midtown Atlanta.
Belser surrendered to authorities on May 25 and faces multiple charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Key Facts:
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Belser allegedly entered the secured apartment complex by following residents and proceeded to the ninth floor, where he waited over an hour in a stairwell before confronting Banerjee.
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Banerjee was shot in the head and later died from his injuries at Grady Memorial Hospital on May 20.
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The Atlanta Police Department considers the shooting a "targeted act," though the motive and relationship between the individuals remain unclear.
Surveillance footage revealed that Belser entered the building around 4 p.m., tailgating behind residents to bypass security.
He ascended to the ninth floor and attempted to access Banerjee's apartment.
When unsuccessful, he waited in a stairwell for approximately 75 minutes. Upon Banerjee's return from a nearby gas station, Belser allegedly confronted and shot him.
Belser's attorney, Keith Adams, stated that his client has no prior criminal history and maintains strong community ties.
Adams suggested that Belser may have been the victim in the case but did not provide further details.
The incident has raised concerns among students and residents about security measures in off-campus housing.
The Connector Apartments, which require keycard access, are reviewing their security protocols in response to the shooting.
Banerjee, originally from India, was pursuing his studies at Georgia Tech and was known for his academic dedication.
His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Indian-American community and the broader student population.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Belser remains in custody at the Fulton County Jail, and no court date has been announced.
Do You Know?
The Connector Apartments, where the incident occurred, are located just blocks from Georgia Tech's campus and are popular among students for their proximity and amenities.
Key Terms:
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Tailgating: Gaining unauthorized access to a secured area by closely following an authorized person.
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Aggravated Assault: A legal term for an attack that causes serious bodily harm or involves a deadly weapon.
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Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony: A charge applied when an individual uses or carries a firearm while committing a serious crime.