CHICAGO — Federal authorities have charged the father of rapper Mello Buckzz with illegally selling multiple firearms, with one of the transactions taking place just a day after a deadly mass shooting outside a River North lounge where his daughter held a record release party.
Melvin Doyle, the father of rapper Mello Buckzz (real name Melanie Doyle), was arrested on federal firearms charges and appeared in court Tuesday, according to CWBChicago.
Series of Gun Sales Unfolded in Weeks Leading to Mass Shooting
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Doyle based on tips from a confidential informant who had known him for about three years. That informant and two others reportedly made multiple controlled gun buys from Doyle over the past several weeks.
According to the federal complaint:
- May 20: Doyle allegedly sold a purple .40-caliber Glock pistol for $800 to two informants.
- May 29: A 9mm Glock pistol was sold for $1,200.
- June 24: A multi-caliber rifle and two pistols sold for $3,800.
- July 1: Just one day before the River North mass shooting, Doyle reportedly sold four pistols and a 12-gauge shotgun for $5,000.
- July 7: Doyle allegedly completed a final sale of three pistols for $3,000, after which he was arrested by federal agents.
Despite the timeline overlap with the July 2 shooting, investigators say there is no direct link between Doyle’s firearms and the deadly incident that left four people dead and 14 injured outside Artis Lounge at 311 W. Chicago Ave — where Mello Buckzz was celebrating a release party.
Prior Felony Convictions Barred Doyle from Owning Firearms
Doyle is prohibited from possessing any firearms due to prior felony convictions. The federal complaint lists several serious charges on his record:
- 1998: Attempted murder
- 2003: Manufacture and delivery of controlled substances
- 2006: Manufacture and delivery of heroin
He now faces a federal charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
While the federal complaint does not directly mention Melanie Doyle (Mello Buckzz), a law enforcement source confirmed to CWBChicago that she is Doyle’s daughter.
No Evidence of Link Between Gun Sales and Mass Shooting
The July 2 mass shooting has drawn national attention, particularly after social media showed Mello Buckzz interacting with fans moments before the gunfire. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and identify all parties involved in the shooting.
However, as of now, no connection has been found between Doyle’s firearm sales and the River North attack.
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