Chattanooga man to serve 15 years in 2009 rapper's death

photo Alonzo Grace

A Chattanooga man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2009 home invasion shooting death of a local rapper was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Alonzo Grace, 43, originally was charged with first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery and aggravated assault along with Dexter Talley, 32, in the death of Robert "Brikk" Brown.

After a May 2012 trial ended with a hung jury, prosecutors and defense attorneys reached a plea deal this week.

Talley pleaded to facilitation of especially aggravated robbery and received a four-year sentence.

"Talley's charge was contingent on eyewitness testimony only," said prosecutor Neal Pinkston.

DNA evidence from blood found at the scene of the crime linked Grace to the slaying, Pinkston said.

During the trial, prosecutors explained that the pair had planned to rob Brown of drugs and cash while he was staying at a friend's apartment on 3929B Webb Oaks Court.

Brown, a Chattanooga rapper, was traveling across country to promote his music career after signing a deal with a California music label.

Police did not find drugs at the apartment after the shooting.

Both men are in custody at the Hamilton County Jail and will receive credit for time served since their 2009 arrest.

Contact staff writer Todd South at tsouth@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6347. Follow him on Twitter @tsouthCTFP.

Upcoming Events