Once upon a time, Suge Marion Knight was the king of the west coast. He ran the studio and the streets. His friends ranged from famous rap stars to gang lords. Those days are gone.
These days, Suge Knight is better known for his exhaustive rap sheet. Knight, whose nickname is Sugar Bear, has a long history of legal troubles. The Death Row Records founder was recently charged with murder in a fatal car crash.
Heres a chronological account of Suge Knights criminal history.
In October 1987, Knight is arrested and charged with domestic violence for assaulting his girlfriend and chopping off her ponytail on the street.
On Halloween, Knight is arrested for allegedly stealing a vehicle while carrying a concealed weapon. Hes also charged with attempted murder after firing at the driver three times during the auto theft. He pleads guilty to a misdemeanor charge and is placed under probation for two years.
Suge Knight, who co-founded Death Row Records with Dr. Dre, violates his probation by assaulting two rappers at a Hollywood recording studio.
Knight pleads guilty to felony for armed robbery and assault with a firearm.
Knight is involved in a scuffle just hours before his artist 2Pac was shot and killed, thus violating the terms of his parole. Hes sentenced to 9 years in prison.
Knight is grazed by bullets while driving the car in which Tupac Shakur is fatally shot.
Hes released after serving 5 years in prison. As part of his parole conditions, hes not allowed to make contact with his former partner, Dr. Dre.
In December 2002, Knight is arrested for violating his probation after moving to Malibu without notifying his parole officer. Hes also found to be consorting with known gang members.
Hes released after 61 days behind bars.
In June 2003, Suge slugs a parking lot valet outside a Los Angeles nightclub. He serves 10 months for the offense.
Knight is stopped for an illegal U-turn. Police find marijuana in Sugar Bears vehicle during the traffic stop. Hes found to have violated his parole. Hes jailed for a