The Atlanta rapper suspected in the death of Slim Dunkin has finally turned himself in to authorities.

Vinson Hardimon faces charges in the untimely death of Slim Dunkin, aka Mario Hamilton, who was shot in the chest on the evening of Dec. 16 during a fight while at a video shoot in a Memorial Drive studio.

Authorities believe that the altercation started over a piece of candy.

Investigators believe Hardimon was the man who argued with Slim Dunkin, eventually pulling out a pistol and firing at the young rapper.

Atlanta police put out a lookout for Hardimon, and through the media advised Hardimon to turn himself in, warning that his life might be in danger.

Hardimon, 28,? aka Young Vito, heeded their warning and voluntarily surrendered to Atlanta police Monday afternoon (December 26, 2011). He looked quite a bit different than the man authorities had been seeking.

Details, including Vito’s drastic change PLUS a gallery of all his previous mugshots for crimes ranging from aggravated assault to child cruelty.

Sometime after 2 p.m., Hardimon appeared at Atlanta Police headquarters with his attorney, Derrick Wright, by his side and officers noted his appearance had changed significantly since the shooting.

“He cut off those dreadlocks and was clean-shaven,” Quinn said, pointing out a previous photo showed Hardimon with a dark goatee and mustache and long hair.

Hardimon was taken to the Fulton jail where he is being held on murder and gun possession charges pending a bond hearing.

Investigators believe Hardimon was the man who argued with Slim Dunkin, eventually pulling out a pistol and shot Slim Dunkin, the young rapper associated with Waka Flocka & Gucci Mane.

Authorities are still having? a problem gathering information from witnesses on the scene but hope to piece together more specifics about the case.

“There were at least 30 people in the studio at the time of the shooting,” he said. “They should get in touch with me. We want the facts. It’s the right thing to do.”

Police are asking that anyone with information in the case call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477 or contact Quinn at 404-245-8039. (source)

Hardimon, who was also an up & coming rapper has a long history in Atlanta’s County jail and has been jailed at least four times in Fulton dating back to 2004 on charges ranging from traffic violations to aggravated assault and child cruelty.

The clincher? Each of his previous arrests included charges for carrying a gun, whether illegally concealing weapons or using a firearm while committing a felony!

How the heck was this dude still walking the streets? 😯

Mugshots via: Fulton County Jail