The Atlanta community, along with Alabama State University (ASU), is mourning the tragic loss of 21-year-old ASU student, Gennia Grimes, who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Rogers "BB" McCloud Jr. Grimes succumbed to her injuries following a shooting incident that took place on U.S. Highway 80 East in the Waugh community of Pike Road, Ala., as reported by People. The suspect, McCloud Jr., has been charged with capital murder and is currently held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Facility, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
McCloud Jr. was present during the shooting and his statements to law enforcement reportedly did not align with the collected evidence. Sheriff Derrick Cunningham told Al.com, "The evidence just wasn’t linking up the way he described it." MCSO Assistant Chief Wesley Richerson emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "This case involves domestic violence where a young innocent woman was murdered at the hands of her boyfriend."
Grimes, a native of Atlanta's Ben Hill area and a junior studying criminal justice, was also mother to her and McCloud's son, Rogers McCloud III. Prior to the tragedy, Grimes aimed to graduate in August 2025 and had aspirations of becoming a lawyer. Known for her talent in dance, she was part of ASU's Honey Beez dance team. A statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta from ASU read, "We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness and spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time."
The community's response includes setting up a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, as mentioned by People. The page honors Grimes as a "dedicated mother, a bright student at Alabama State University, set to graduate in August 2025 with dreams of becoming a lawyer." Angela Grimes, Gennia's mother, told FOX 5 Atlanta that her daughter had plans to end her relationship with McCloud Jr., expressing the family's sense of betrayal.
The funeral services for Gennia Grimes will be held at Antioch Baptist Church North. Angela Grimes is set to take on the duty of raising her grandson amidst the aftermath of her daughter's devastating death. The case remains under investigation by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation, as they work in conjunction with sheriff’s investigators to bring further clarity to this tragic event.
