Suge Knight, co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records, is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for manslaughter. His career in the music industry was marked by controversy and legal troubles. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the crimes he committed, the convictions and prison sentences he received, and the key details about his high-profile cases.
Early Incidents and Probation Violation
Suge Knight’s run-ins with the law date back to 1987, when he pleaded no contest to domestic assault charges. In the 1990s, he was frequently at the center of investigations into illegal and unethical business practices by Death Row Records. This included a 1992 conviction for assaulting two aspiring rappers with a gun, which resulted in five years probation.
However, Knight violated probation just a year later in 1993, after he and several bodyguards attacked two men at a Hollywood recording studio. Knight pleaded no contest and was sentenced to nine years in prison. He served less than five years before being released early on August 6, 2001.
Fatal Hit-and-Run in 2015
Knight was arrested again in 2015 for a fatal hit-and-run in Compton, California after an argument on the set for the film Straight Outta Compton. On January 29, Knight got into a confrontation with Cle “Bone” Sloan and Terry Carter near Tam’s Burgers.
Video evidence showed Knight running over the two men with his Ford F-150 Raptor truck, killing 55-year-old Carter. Knight fled the scene but turned himself in to police the next morning. He claimed he acted in self-defense and was fleeing armed attackers, but prosecutors disputed this defense.
Manslaughter Conviction and 28-Year Sentence
The hit-and-run case finally went to trial in October 2018. Facing charges of murder and attempted murder, Knight reached a plea deal just a few days into jury selection. He pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and admitted a special allegation that he used a deadly weapon (his truck).
In September 2018, Knight was sentenced to 28 years in state prison after accepting the plea agreement. He received 22 years for Carter’s death and an additional 6 years because it was deemed a serious and violent felony.
Superior Court Judge Ronald Coen gave Knight the maximum sentence allowed under the plea deal. He commented that the sentence reflected Knight’s lack of remorse and his prior criminal record.
Parole Eligibility in 2037
Knight will be eligible for parole in autumn 2037, when he is around 72 years old. However, release is not guaranteed at that point. The California Parole Board will review his case and may deny parole if Knight is still deemed a risk to public safety. He could potentially serve the full 28-year term.
Civil Cases and Wrongful Death Suits
In addition to the criminal cases, Knight has been named in numerous civil suits related to unpaid royalties and wrongful deaths. Several of Knight’s assault victims over the years filed lawsuits and were awarded substantial settlements.
After the 2015 fatal hit-and-run, Terry Carter’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit. A judge ordered Knight to pay over $102 million to Carter’s widow and daughters in 2018. However, the family is unlikely to ever see all of that money given Knight’s debts and expected limited future earnings.
Suge Knight’s Criminal History Timeline
| Date | Crime/Incident | Conviction & Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Pleaded no contest to domestic assault | Summary probation |
| 1992 | Assaulted two aspiring rappers with guns | 5 years probation |
| 1993 | Attacked two men at recording studio | 9 years prison (served less than 5) |
| 1996 | Multiple incidents of punching, kicking, and bat assaults | No prison time |
| 2008 | Arrested for beating girlfriend and holding her hostage | No charges filed |
| 2014 | Robbery of photographer in Beverly Hills | 28 years prison (pending) |
| 2015 | Killed Terry Carter in hit-and-run incident | 28 years prison |
FAQs About Suge Knight’s Prison Sentence
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the crimes, convictions, and current prison sentence for Suge Knight:
How much total prison time did Suge Knight get?
Knight is currently serving a total sentence of 28 years in state prison. He will be eligible for parole in autumn 2037 after serving around 22 years.
What was Suge Knight originally charged with for the hit-and-run incident?
Prosecutors originally charged Knight with murder and attempted murder for the 2015 fatal hit-and-run. He pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter right before the trial was set to start.
What was Suge Knight’s sentence for violating probation in the 1990s?
In 1993, Knight was sentenced to 9 years in prison for assaulting two men and violating the probation from his 1992 assault conviction. He served less than 5 years before his release in 2001.
Is Suge Knight still CEO and owner of Death Row Records?
No. After serving several years in prison in the 1990s, Knight was forced out as CEO and eventually sold off his interests in Death Row Records due to debts. He has not been involved with the label since 2002.
Could Suge Knight be sentenced to additional time for other past crimes?
It is unlikely at this point. The 28-year sentence stemmed from the 2015 manslaughter case. Any other past crimes he wasn’t already convicted for would likely fall outside the statute of limitations.
Conclusion
In summary, former music mogul Suge Knight is currently in California state prison after accepting a plea deal for 28 years related to a fatal hit-and-run incident. His extensive history of violence and criminal convictions dates back to the late 80s.
The maximum sentence indicates the courts take Knight’s misconduct and refusal to accept responsibility very seriously. While he will be eligible for parole in his early 70s, release is not guaranteed considering his high profile, lack of remorse, and prior parole violation. Knight’s cases illustrate how repeat offenses and probation violations can lead to compounded prison time.
Despite only being 53 years old currently, it is probable that Knight will spend the rest of his life incarcerated or under strict parole supervision due to his convictions and reputation for violence. His music industry influence has greatly diminished since his heyday running Death Row Records in the early 90s. However, Suge Knight remains a controversial figure and his crimes and imprisonment continue to garner public attention.