Former Civil Rights Leader, Convicted Killer, Jamil Al-Amin Dies in Federal Prison

ATLANTA, Ga. — Former civil rights leader and convicted killer Jamil Al-Amin, once known as H. Rap Brown, died Sunday while serving his sentence in federal prison, according to his former attorneys. Al-Amin was convicted in 2002 for the murder of Fulton County Deputy Ricky Kinchen. At the time of the incident, Kinchen and Deputy Aldranon English were attempting to execute an arrest warrant at Al-Amin’s West End home when gunfire erupted.

Al-Amin’s family and supporters have long maintained his innocence, advocating for a new investigation. Organizations including the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Imam Jamil Action Network, and the Islamic Circle of North America urged the Fulton County District Attorney to reopen the case after claims that another person confessed to the shooting. In a statement shared via the Davis Bozeman Law Firm, Al-Amin’s son said: “On behalf of our entire family, I thank every single person who prayed, stood, marched, researched, wrote, advocated, and fought to clear my father’s name. Your love sustained us. Your belief in his innocence strengthened us. We ask for your continued prayers as we mourn a father, a husband, a brother, a leader, and a servant of the people.”

A funeral date has not yet been set, but the family said arrangements will be announced at a later time. Al-Amin’s death marks the end of a long and controversial chapter in Atlanta’s civil rights history, leaving unresolved questions for the wider community.