Angela Simmons's Baby's Father, Sutton Tennyson, Was Murdered in November 2018

Producer, actress, and entrepreneur Angela Simmons, aka the daughter of Run-DMC's Rev. Run, suffered a tragic loss in 2018 after the father of her only son, Sutton Tennyson, was shot dead at his southwest Atlanta home. The pair got engaged in April 2016, and welcomed their son, Sutton Joseph Jr., on Sept. 22, 2016.

With Angela still very much in the spotlight, especially after sparking controversy by carrying a gun-shaped purse at the 2024 BET Awards, public interest in her activities remains high. However, this also brings attention to the lingering questions about her son's father. Here's everything we know about Sutton's death.

Tennyson was shot 13 times with a .45 caliber gun in southwest Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at around 5 p.m., a previous article by Boston25News.com revealed.

It's understood that the perpetrator left the dead body inside an open garage. As a statement by the Atlanta Police Department holds, eye-witnesses claimed that the gunshots were fired after a verbal altercation had taken place between Tennyson and one other man.

"[The perpetrator] sped from the scene in a car," a member of the police informed People. 

In a now-deleted post, Angela announced the horrible news on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, on Instagram.

"Thank you for leaving behind my greatest gift. I’m hurting. I’m numb. Thank you for the outpouring of love, everyone. I cant believe I’m even saying Rest In Peace, Sutton. I promise to hold SJ down in every way, I promise," read the caption.

Michael Williams was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and murder on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, as per People. It's understood that the arrest was made when he turned himself in to the police. Williams was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Sutton in April 2022, according to People.

As a previous article by Daily Mail reveals, the stars had their last court date on Oct. 30, 2018, which concerned the amount of money paid as child custody. According to the outlet, they had previously agreed on a monthly sum of $1,250 — but Angela was hoping to receive more.

It's understood that she was granted temporary custody over Sutton Jr. in July 2018. Tennyson, however, wanted to challenge the decision, as he would have preferred joint custody.

Angela reportedly filed for an order of protection against Tennyson in December 2017, around the same time as they called off their engagement.

Angela opened up about what it was like to be subjected to abuse in a January 2020 episode of Growing Up Hip Hop, as per Entertainment Tonight. She didn't name her abuser. It's uncertain if she was referring to Tennyson.

"Like, I think for me, I never thought this would be me," she said.

She added, "But it was years, and it was abuse, it was verbal abuse, it was emotional abuse... and I felt so stuck, because I thought it would get better, and it didn't," she added.

"You kind of feel like, used — like used goods. Like, 'Who wants me after I've been through this?' It's not easy," she said later on.

Award and fashion shows are arguably the best places to make a bold fashion statement, but Angela Simmons's attempt at the 2024 BET Awards seems to have missed the mark. Angela arrived on the red carpet carrying a crystal-encrusted, gun-shaped purse—a choice that many criticized as insensitive, considering her child's father was tragically gunned down at his home in Atlanta.

After posting a photo of her ensemble, complete with the gun-shaped purse, people quickly flooded the comments section to share their opinions. “She could have did without that damn clutch,” one person wrote, while another chimed in, “really girl???!!!! Wasn't your baby daddy...nvm”.

Nevertheless, there were still a few who supported Angela’s fashion choice. “Guns are not always used for violence it’s for protection. Women keep guns on them to feel safe. You guys are reaching,” another commenter wrote.

Angela eventually took to Instagram Stories to address to the matter. "When I chose the purse, I believed it was cute and unique, and I made a poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty. I deeply regret that this item, which symbolizes a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence," the reality TV star wrote.

Her message continued, "I have personally lost my partner, the father of my child, to gun violence, and I have witnessed its devastating impact on my community in Southeast Queens." She added, "By carrying this purse, I did not intend to promote gun violence in any way. It was a mistake that does not define who I am or my commitment to ending gun violence."

Her message concluded with a request for understanding and forgiveness, stating, "To anyone who was hurt or offended by my actions, I offer my deepest apologies. Moving forward, I will continue my dedication to making peace a reality for millions of children and families across America who, like mine, have been directly impacted by gun violence."

In her post, Angela mentioned that she is a gun violence activist who owns an organization dedicated to creating programs aimed at reducing gun violence.