In a brutal case of misogyny, violence, and revenge, aspiring female rapper Brielle Saunders became the victim of an unspeakable attack after winning a rap battle against three men in Columbus, Georgia, on New Year’s Eve 2013.
What should have been a moment of friendly competition turned into a horrific crime that shocked the community and led to three men receiving multiple life sentences.
Saunders, who was known for her lyrical skills and love of hip-hop, was hanging out with three male friends in her car, listening to music and freestyling.
A rap battle broke out, and she outperformed all three men bar for bar. Instead of taking the loss with grace, the men reacted with rage, humiliation, and violence.
One of them pulled a weapon and forced Saunders to drive to an abandoned lot. Once there, they stripped her, violated her, and brutally assaulted her.
Their attack escalated further when she tried to escape—they shot her 10 times, doused her body in gasoline, and set her on fire. As she lay burning and begging for help, one of the men shot her again before leaving her for dead.
She Survived to Identify Her Attackers
Despite their attempts to kill her, Brielle Saunders miraculously survived.
Police discovered her body and rushed her to the hospital, where she endured excruciating pain and multiple surgeries.
In an incredible act of courage and resilience, she lived to identify her attackers and testified against them in court.
Justice Served
The three men responsible—Joey Garan (28), Robert Johnson (23), and Katori Glover (23)—were arrested and immediately imprisoned. Their sentences reflected the severity of their crimes:
- Robert Johnson and Katori Glover were sentenced to six life terms plus 95 years.
- Joey Garan was sentenced to five life terms plus 70 years.
Their convictions were a small measure of justice for a crime driven by fragile egos, misogyny, and a refusal to accept defeat at the hands of a woman.
A Reminder of the Dangers of Male Fragility
Saunders’ case highlights the deadly consequences of toxic masculinity and gender-based violence.
What should have been a simple rap battle turned into an attempted femicide, proving that male entitlement and bruised egos can have horrifying consequences for women.
Her story serves as a chilling reminder that women who dare to compete in male-dominated spaces—whether in **music, sports, or business—often face unimaginable dangers.
