The recent arrest of Melvin Doyle, the father of rapper Mello Buckzz, on federal firearms charges has shocked many in the community. Just days after a tragic mass shooting in River North, where four people were killed and 14 others were wounded, Doyle was arraigned for allegedly selling guns illegally.
Federal officials have stated that Doyle sold 13 guns to confidential informants working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) since May 20. This includes a transaction that took place after the mass shooting outside Artis Lounge on July 2, where his daughter had hosted a record release party.
While investigators have not found any evidence linking Doyle’s gun sales to the shooting, it is confirmed that he is indeed the rapper’s father. The ATF launched an investigation based on information from a confidential informant who had known Doyle for three years. This informant, along with two others, worked with agents to document the illegal gun purchases, which were secretly recorded.
The first sale occurred on May 20, where Doyle sold a purple .40-caliber Glock pistol to two informants at his home. Subsequent sales included a 9mm Glock pistol, a multi-caliber rifle, pistols, and a shotgun. Doyle was arrested following his last transaction on July 7.
It is important to note that Doyle is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including attempted murder in 1998, manufacture and delivery of controlled substances in 2003, and manufacture and delivery of heroin in 2006. He is now facing federal charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This shocking turn of events has left many in the community reeling, especially considering the recent violence in River North. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to address the issue of illegal gun sales and the impact they have on the safety of our communities.
