An American college student has been arrested in connection with the 2012 murder of rapper Lil Phat.

The 19-year-old hip-hop star, real name Melvin Vernell Iii, was found dead in a parked car in Atlanta, Georgia, on 7 June last year (12) after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

Authorities are still investigating the slain rapper's death, and now former San Francisco State University sportsman Decensae White has been extradited from California to the southern state to face charges - much to the surprise of his family.

His father David White tells Complex.com, "We are in total shock right now. He is the most non-violent person I've ever known in my life. This is beyond anyone's comprehension."

Convicted Russian mobster Mani Chulpayev and two hitmen he reportedly hired from Alabama are also facing criminal charges in the case - they are due back in court on 31 May (13).