Lil Phat

Melvin Vernell III (July 25, 1992 – June 7, 2012), better known by his stage name Lil Phat, was an American rapper. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Vernell began rapping as a teenager and was signed to Trill Entertainment in 2007 when he was 14 years old. He was best known for his contribution to the single "Independent" by Webbie. He made a number of guest appearances on Trill Entertainment releases before being killed at the age of 19.

Death
On June 7, 2012, Vernell was shot and killed outside Northside Hospital in Sandy Springs, Georgia, where he was awaiting his daughter's birth. Two suspects were spotted fleeing the scene, according to witnesses. Three men were convicted of the murder in August 2014. Related charges concerning a fourth defendant, Mani Chulpayev, were dropped.