ATLANTA — A man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a Georgia Tech student at an off-campus apartment complex. Nigel Belser, 21, is accused of killing 22-year-old Akash Banerjee at The Connector Apartments on May 18. He surrendered to authorities over the weekend and is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail.
According to an arrest affidavit, Belser entered the building by tailgating behind two residents, circumventing keyfob access. Once inside, he hid in a stairwell for more than an hour before confronting Banerjee. High-profile defense attorney Keith Adams, known for his work on the YSL trial, represents Belser and claims his client is collateral damage in the situation. “He has no prior record, strong community ties, and a supportive family,” Adams stated.
Surveillance footage captures the critical moments leading up to the shooting. At approximately 4 p.m., Belser was observed carrying a light blue Gatorade bottle as he followed residents into the building. After waiting in the stairwell, he donned a black face mask before Banerjee returned from a brief trip to a nearby gas station.
The affidavit details that Banerjee, upon returning to his apartment, appeared startled when he encountered Belser. Investigators noted that the victim attempted to defend himself but was shot by the suspect, who fled the scene before police arrived.
Crime scene investigators later found the Gatorade bottle at the crime scene, linking it directly to Belser. Reports indicate that he resided nearby at another complex on Spring Street.
Charges against Belser include aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. As of now, law enforcement has not disclosed a motive for the shooting, nor have they confirmed whether the suspect and victim were acquaintances.
Management at The Connector has yet to comment on security measures at the complex following the incident. The case has attracted attention in the community, raising concerns about safety in off-campus housing.