2 seen fleeing in Lil Phat fatal shooting

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SANDY SPRINGS, Ga., June 9 (UPI) -- Sandy Springs, Ga., police said they are looking for two men suspected in the fatal shooting rapper Melvin Vernell III, aka, Lil Phat.

Witnesses told police they saw two men fleeing from a parking deck adjacent to the Northside Hospital Women's Center after hearing gunshots at about 6:40 p.m. Thursday, The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported.

Atlanta Police Capt. Steve Rose said Friday that detectives are searching for the two males, one described as short and wearing a red shirt, and another described as tall wearing all black.

Vernell, 19, was found shot multiple times in a car on the second level of the parking garage, though police declined to say why he was in the parking structure, or near the hospital. He was taken the Northside Hospital where he was declared dead.

Vernell was best known for his contributions to the song "Independent" by fellow rappers Webbie and Lil' Boosie in 2008. The song was twice the No. 1 rap single in the country and peaked in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.