Naman Shrestha
Khalil Rountree was an important figure in the music industry, serving as the tour manager for Boyz II Men in the early 1990s. His life came to an abrupt end during one of the boy band’s tours in Chicago, Illinois, in May 1992. The shocking death is explored in Investigation Discovery’s true-crime documentary series, ‘Boy Band Confidential: A Hollywood Demons Event.’ It features the boy band’s members, who recount the impact Khalil’s death had on the band and its members.
Khalil Rountree Was in the Middle of a Tour With Boyz II Men When He Met His Demise
On February 5, 1956, Rhoderick Donovan “Khalil” Rountree was born to Vivian and Allen Rountree in Ayden, North Carolina. He was raised alongside his three siblings — Debra E. Sharp, Marva G. Battle, and Brenda Lyons — with whom he seemingly shared a close-knit bond. Later, he fathered three children — Fard Beverett, Khalil ibn Rountree, and Bobby Gardner. On the professional front, he served as the tour manager for the iconic R&B boy band, Boyz II Men, ensuring travel, accommodation, and food were arranged for the band during tours. He was also responsible for the boy band’s security.
During the 2 Legit 2 Quit tour with Boyz II Men in Chicago, Illinois, on May 25, 1992, Khalil was at the Guest Quarters Suites Hotel in the Gold Coast area of the city. That evening, the 36-year-old tour manager was found dead in the elevator of the hotel following a fatal altercation with his assistant tour manager, Qadree El-Amin, also in critical condition. The news was shocking to the young members of Boyz II Men, who were devastated by the loss. The authorities arrived at the scene and determined that Khalil had died of a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Meanwhile, Qadree was rushed to the hospital and treated for his injuries. Without wasting any time, the authorities launched a homicide investigation.
An Altercation Inside the Hotel’s Elevator Led to Khalil Rountree’s Death
As the authorities inspected the room where Khalil Rountree was staying in the Chicago hotel, they learned that a group of suspects was going door to door in search of MC Hammer’s room. According to court records, when they knocked on Khalil’s door, it reportedly led to a confrontation that spilled into the hallway. Worried they might get into the boy band’s rooms, Khalil called Qadree, and together they tried to get the suspects out of the hallway. While Khalil and Qadree were inside the elevator with them, they didn’t know that one of them was armed. Soon, shots were fired inside the elevator, injuring Qadree but killing Khalil.
Upon digging deeper, the detectives identified the three suspects as Christopher Babbington, Chris Foley, and Kenneth Copeland. Out of them, Christopher was the shooter responsible for Khalil’s death. They hailed from the South Side of Chicago, and two of them were employed as parking attendants at a lot across the street from the hotel. Reports suggested that the trio went to the 26th and 27th floors of the hotel in search of companionship. Later that same day, the police arrested Christopher at his home for killing Khalil. Eventually, the three suspects were charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Christopher Babbington’s Current Whereabouts Remains Unknown
During Christopher Babbington’s murder trial in 1994, the prosecution presented the jury with a string of evidence against him. On the other hand, the defense sought to portray the defendant in an innocent light, claiming he had acted in self-defense. Ultimately, Christopher was found guilty of second-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. In the end, the shooter was sentenced to two 14-year prison terms, which were to be run concurrently. By February 1997, he had filed a motion to overturn his conviction, claiming the evidence against him was insufficient to prove his guilt.
The following month, a retrial was ordered after it was discovered that 13 jurors had participated in deliberations, while 12 jurors and three alternates had sat and heard the trial. When it was found that one of the alternates ended up participating in the deliberations, the new trial for Christopher was ordered. However, further details about the retrial and the hearing are not available on public domain. As of today, not much is known about his whereabouts.
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