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The world of hip-hop is not only full of catchy beats, impressive rapping skills, and influential artists. This hip-hop music world also holds deep secrets of anger, hate, jealousy, and even murder. Such is the case of Marion “Suge” Knight, one of the influential entrepreneurs in the hip-hop industry.
In many instances, Suge Knight was linked to high-profile murder cases involving Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. But is Suge Knight actually in prison?
This article dives into the life of Suge Knight, his run-ins with the law, and the trial that changed his life forever. It also provides insight into Knight’s troubled history and how he spiraled down through the years.
Furthermore, this write-up provides tidbits of information about different terms that might be helpful to understanding the legal battle Suge Knight went through.
There are over 7,000 prisons and jails in the United States, holding over 1.9 million inmates. If you want to get information on these correctional facilities, visit LookUpInmate.org.
Our site provides direct links to the websites of these prisons and jails. You can access information like visiting hours, the number of inmates each facility holds, and services provided to incarcerated individuals.
Why Is Suge Knight in Jail?
Marion “Suge” Knight received a 28-year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter after he ran over two men with a pickup truck, injuring his longtime rival, Cle “Bone” Sloan, and killing Terry Carter, a businessman, outside a Compton burger stand.
According to the officials of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Knight used a red pickup truck to hit and run Sloan and Carter after an argument in January 2015.
Officials added that the argument started because Knight was upset about his portrayal in an N.W.A. biopic titled “Straight Outta Compton,” where Sloan, a longtime rival, was a consultant.
N.W.A., or “Niggaz With Attitude,” is a hip-hop group from Compton, California, that became popular because of its songs containing explicit references to gang life. The core members of this group were:
- Eazy-E (Eric Wright; born September 7, 1964, died March 26, 1995, Los Angeles)
- Dr. Dre (Andre Young; born February 18, 1965, Compton, California)
- Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson; born June 15, 1969, Los Angeles, California)
- MC Ren (Lorenzo Patterson; born June 14, 1969, Compton, California)
- DJ Yella (Antoine Carraby; born December 11, 1961, Compton, California).
The disagreement between Knight and Carter escalated, which led the hip-hop icon to use his pickup truck to clip Sloan, injuring him, and then run over Carter, killing him.
The Sheriff’s department reported that Knight surrendered to the police afterward. The court held him on $2 million bail during his arrest.
Who Is Suge Knight?
Marion “Suge” Knight was born in Compton, California, on April 19, 1965. Knight’s moniker “Suge” came from his childhood nickname, “Sugar Bear.”
Suge Knight became a rap “mogul” when he became the CEO (chief executive officer) of Death Row Records, which launched the careers of famous hip-hop personalities like Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre.
Death Row Records’ successes include famous albums like:
- Doggystyle (1993) – Snoop Dogg
- The Chronic (1992) – Dr. Dre
- All Eyez on Me (1996) – Tupac (2Pac)
What Has Suge Knight Previously Been Arrested for?
Suge Knight is no stranger to run-ins with the law. He had a long history of legal troubles that ultimately led to his voluntary manslaughter conviction for killing Terry Carter.
1995
Suge Knight pleaded no contest to assaulting two rappers at a Hollywood recording studio in 1992. The court sentenced him to five years of probation as the penalty for the offense.
Probation is a privilege given by the court as an alternative to imprisonment. The defendant is released back into the community but subjected to conditions and restrictions imposed by the court.
1996
Knight was arrested for a probation violation on September 7, 1996. Suge committed the offense when he and his entourage attacked Orlando Anderson, an opposing gang member.
The court sentenced Suge Knight to nine years imprisonment for his probation violation. However, he was released early on August 6, 2001.
Probation laws may differ, but all states treat probation violations seriously. Generally speaking, a violation occurs when the probationer breaks the terms and conditions imposed by the court. Examples of probation violations are the following:
- Failing to appear in a scheduled court appearance
- Failing to report to a probation officer at a scheduled time or place
- Failing to pay any fines or restitution ordered by a court
- Failing to secure permissions from a probation officer before visiting certain people, places, or traveling outside a state
- Possessing, selling, or using illegal drugs
- Committing other offenses or crimes
- Getting arrested for another crime or offense, regardless of whether the offense is criminal or not
2003
Suge again went to prison for parole violation when he assaulted Medhi Lazrak, a parking lot attendant.
In 2001, Suge Knight received a parole release after serving five years in prison for a probation violation. However, the assault against Lazrak was the basis for the parole board to revoke Suge’s parole and put him again in prison.
Parole is a form of conditional freedom given to prisoners. The parolee is released from prison but must adhere to a series of responsibilities imposed by the court. Parolees who don’t follow the specific parole rules can be arrested and placed back in jail or prison.
One must remember that parole is not a right but a privilege the state gives. Prisoners given parole are those who are deemed capable of reintegrating into society.
However, some criminal statutes give prisoners the right to an eventual parole hearing. Still, they don’t guarantee that prisoners will receive parole. Authorities, like a parole board, can grant or deny parole.
2012
The police again arrested Knight in Las Vegas for possession of marijuana in his vehicle and several outstanding traffic violation warrants.
2015
The police arrested Knight for the killing of Terry Carter, a co-founder of Heavyweight Records, and his friend, Cle Sloan. In 2018, he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 28 years imprisonment.
What Happened Between Suge Knight and Notorious B.I.G.?
Suge Knight’s link to the murder case involving fellow rapper Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) started with the murder of rapper Tupac, which happened in 1996.
Knight’s name was linked to both Biggie and Tupac murder cases because of allegations that he “orchestrated” their murders. Tupac, a former Death Row Records talent, was about to leave Knight’s label before he was killed in 1996.
A year later, Biggie was killed, and some say Knight orchestrated the murder to distract people’s attention from the first murder. Despite these allegations circulating during that time, Knight was never charged with the murders of the two influential rappers.
28-Year Prison Sentence Caps Long Downfall for ‘Suge’ Knight
Suge Knight’s career trajectory has been trending downwards due to his many dealings with the law. His constant run-ins with the authorities, multiple arrests, and imprisonment all point to an eventual downfall that will be catastrophic for this hip-hop music mogul.
Suge Knight’s downfall finally came when the court sentenced him to 28 years imprisonment for running over and killing Terry Carter and injuring Cle Sloan. Knight, who is 58 years old as of 2023, may live the rest of his life in a California prison serving 28 years, or so many thought.
However, some say that Suge’s prison term is being reduced. It means the music mogul will be released sooner than anyone anticipated.
In a podcast hosted by rhythm and blues (R&B) and soul artist D-Dogg, he told his audience that he was in touch with Suge’s attorney, who allegedly said Suge Knight got 10 to 15 years taken off from the original 28-year prison term.
The courts have yet to certify D-Dogg’s claim. However, if Suge Knight gets 10 to 15 years shaved off his sentence, he may be released in about five years.
At the moment, the verdict consoled Carter’s family, and Suge Knight’s lengthy sentence brought them peace. Carter’s relatives have no kind words for Knight and describe him as a person who showed a complete lack of remorse, a career criminal, a “low-life thug,” and a “disgusting, selfish disgrace to the human species.”
Knight already agreed to a plea deal by entering no contest to voluntary manslaughter and getting a lengthy prison sentence to avoid a trial on murder and attempted murder.
Voluntary manslaughter is a homicide without premeditation, deliberation, or malice aforethought. In another definition, voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing done in the “heat of passion” due to provocation.
The element of provocation creates a divide that downgrades the killing from murder to manslaughter.
The provocation must be substantial or serious enough to warrant the killing. However, suppose the provocation isn’t substantial. In that case, the defendant will likely be charged with second-degree murder.
Suge Knight Testifies About Dr. Dre “Murder Burger” Incident: “I Hadn’t Done Anything Wrong”
Suge Knight testified during the trials and offered his story of events that led to the unfortunate death of Terry Carter. According to Knight, his “gunning” of the engine, which ran over Carter, was in self-defense.
Knight stated that during that fateful day, he was at the filming location not to complain about his portrayal in the upcoming N.W.A. movie. Instead, he was there to talk with Dr. Dre about some “allegations.” Knight said that he got word that Dr. Dre “paid” some guys to harm him. However, Knight wasn’t able to meet Dr. Dre because he was busy at that time.
After he left the production office, Knight said that he received a call from Carter, inviting him for a “special” meeting with Dr. Dre in Dwayne “Knob” Johnson’s house near Tam’s burger stand.
Knight parked his vehicle near Carter’s grey station. However, Sloan jumped over the wall bordering the burger stand’s parking lot and brandished a gun at him. Sloan then started punching Knight through his truck window, which forced the latter to gun his engine and drive off. Knight’s truck then injured Sloan and killed Carter.
Suge Knight Demands Prison Release Due to Alleged Rights Violations
Recently, Suge Knight demanded to be released because his rights were violated. Knight said that the judge who handled the trial didn’t give him a chance to defend himself. Instead, he was “forced” to accept a plea deal that reduced the charges against him from murder to manslaughter.
Knight called the plea deal “unfavorable” and told in an interview of scenarios that if he’d gone through and defended himself, he would have won. Knight is imprisoned at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California.
How Suge Knight Started a Podcast From Prison
Knight recently returned to the limelight by starting a podcast straight from prison. The talk show “Collect Call with Suge Knight” is a weekly podcast by Dave Mays, founder of Breakbeat Media.
The show featured phone conversations with Suge Knight about different issues, especially the controversies that wrap around this colorful, outspoken figure in the world of hip-hop. Knight will provide interviews straight from the Donovan Correctional Facility.
California prisons allow phone calls between prisoners and their loved ones to ensure family ties and friendly relationships don’t get severed.
Recently, California introduced “free calls” from prison through the Keep Families Connected Act, allowing families to call and connect with their incarcerated loved ones even through tablets.
If you need information on whether the correctional facility your loved one is in supports this kind of service, visit LookUpInmate.org. You can access direct links to over 7,000 prisons and jails in the United States.
When Was the Last Man Standing Documentary Out?
In August 2021, the documentary “Last Man Standing” rolled out, showing the story of Suge Knight and the murders of Biggie and Tupac. The film shows Nick Broomfield revisiting the deadly hip-hop beef between the two rap giants from America’s East and West Coast.
The documentary gained mixed reviews. Variety Magazine said in their review that the show didn’t present evidence of anything. However, it offered a deeper look into the life of the “gangsta entrepreneur” Suge Knight.
The film also tackled the conspiracy theory that Suge Knight was involved in the death of Tupac Shakur. A popular review site, Rotten Tomatoes, gave the documentary an average rating of 3.1 out of 5.
References
- New report Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2023 shows that as the pandemic subsides, criminal legal system returning to “business as usual”
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2023/03/14/whole_pie_2023/ - SHAMED STAR Who is Suge Knight and why is he in jail?
https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/4221067/suge-knight-jail/amp/ - ‘Suge’ Knight Released From Prison
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=103195&page=1 - Voluntary Manslaughter Under the Law
https://www.justia.com/criminal/offenses/homicide/voluntary-manslaughter/ - Suge Knight Testifies About Dr. Dre ‘Murder Burger’ Incident: ‘I Hadn’t Done Anything Wrong’
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/suge-knight-testifies-dr-dre-tams-straight-outta-compton-1364480/amp/ - ‘Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie & Tupac’ Review: Nick Broomfield’s Documentary Gets Closer to Real Answers
https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/last-man-standing-review-nick-broomfield-tupac-shakur-biggie-smalls-1235045072/