TMZ was the first to obtain and publish a video of Suge Knight running over two men, killing one and injuring another. According to TMZ, the family of Terry Carter – the man who was reportedly a friend of Knight’s, and who ends up being run over and killed – asked that TMZ post the video to show the truth about what happened on that fateful night at Tam’s Burgers in Compton. Carter’s family lawyer reportedly told TMZ that the video demonstrates there is not a hint of self-defense, that Knight was intentionally targeting Cle “Bone” Sloan (who was injured in the fracas), and that Carter ended up as collateral damage.
Prosecutors will undoubtedly agree with that characterization. When this case does make it to a criminal jury trial, prosecutors will likely focus the jury’s attention on the portion of the video where Knight backs up his truck, and instead of simply driving forward, back down the street he drove in on, guns it in the direction of the two victims.
Although the video shows only a one fixed, narrow geographic slice of activity, at one point you can also see a passing car driving down the street at what appears to be a normal rate of speed, no brake lights visible, nothing to suggest that Knight wouldn’t have a clear path out on that road.
Of course, the defense doesn’t see it that way.
Expect the defense to focus in several other portions of the video, such as the speed at which Sloan approached Knight’s truck, and the flurry of physical activity that follows, both of which appear to support Knight’s characterization of being attacked as he sat in his truck (a feeling that was no doubt exacerbated by feeling vulnerable and trapped, even though surrounded by metal and glass).
Of course, what may be the most important piece of material for the defense is what happened in the aftermath of Knight’s hitting Sloan and Carter. Review of the video shows a bystander approach Sloan as he lay on the ground, taking an item from Sloan’s hand, and placing it either the bystander’s waistband or rear pocket. While the video isn’t crystal clear, in the defense narrative, that item was a gun.
Of course, even if it was a gun that was taken from Sloan afterwards, expect the prosecution to argue that it doesn’t mean it was used in a threatening way, or that Knight actually saw it or even knew about it. Expect prosecutors to argue that Suge Knight could have chosen any number of other paths to safety; not only does Knight not appear to be going out of his way to avoid anyone, to prosecutors, he’s going out of his way to hit someone.
It’s also likely that the prosecution will argue that what was taken from Sloan wasn’t even a gun. They may suggest it was a cell phone (to call 911?), a wallet (for safekeeping or an insurance card!), or any other object. But the possibility of a gun being taken from Sloan opens up the world of self-defense for Suge Knight. It’s one thing to claim that you are frightened, and it’s another to have some evidence to back it up. Even Suge Knight himself has acknowledged this, saying that without that tape, “I’d be so far up under the jail.” That demonstrates a high level of self-awareness.
Someone tweeted me not long ago, wondering if I was concerned that with the ubiquitous presence of video cameras, did I worry that I’d soon be out of a job? As this video illustrates, one thing is absolutely certain: Even when a crime is captured on video, lawyers will still find something to argue about!
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Darren is an accomplished TV personality, attorney, interventionist, keynote speaker, and 'misbehavior expert' who appears constantly on countless TV and radio shows.