Suge Knight's involvement in Compton fatal hit-run investigated as possible homicide

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Friday, January 30, 2015
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies investigate a fatal hit-and-run in Compton on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 (left). Rap music mogul Marion 'Suge' Knight in court (right).
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies investigate a fatal hit-and-run in Compton on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 (left). Rap music mogul Marion 'Suge' Knight in court (right).
KABC-KABC

COMPTON, Calif. -- Rap music mogul Marion "Suge" Knight is considered a person of interest in a fatal hit-and-run in Compton on Thursday. The hit-and-run is being investigated as a possible homicide, Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies said.

Knight claims he was attacked by two people and tried to escape in a car, which led to the hit-and-run at about 3 p.m. in the 1200 block of West Rosecrans Avenue, his lawyer James Blatt said. Knight is expected to turn himself in to sheriff's deputies, Blatt said. By 9 p.m., he had not yet turned himself in.

Blatt added that Knight struck a friend named Terry, a man who was later pronounced dead. He said the second pedestrian was actor Cle Shaheed "Bone" Sloan, who was not seriously hurt.

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies said a red pick-up truck ran over both men behind a business. Both victims were taken to a hospital, where a 55-year-old man was pronounced dead. A 51-year-old man was injured.

Witness Robert Smith said he heard an argument before the deadly incident.

"So I turn to look and ......ran him,over twice," Smith said.

Investigators were continuing to look into reports of Knight's involvement. They were reviewing evidence, talking to witnesses and looking at video. They said they found Knight's truck in Westwood, which may have been used in the hit-and-run.

"The people we talked to so far say it looked like it was an intentional act," Lt. John Corina said.

"We're not calling him a suspect ......wanna talk to him," Corina added.

Witness Denise Mazzei shot video of the scene outside the area where the hit-and-run occurred. She works as a security guard for Rite Aid across the street.

Video courtesy of Minaj Anderson. Tap to view if on News app.

Authorities say half an hour before the fatal collision, Knight got into an argument on the set of a promotional shoot for the film, "Straight Outta Compton," a biopic about the rap group NWA.

Knight is currently out on $500,000 bail in connection with an alleged theft of a paparazzo's camera. He is scheduled for a court hearing on Tuesday.

Los Angeles County homicide detectives were handling the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.