The Death Row Records co-founder takes the plea deal to avoid the possibility of life behind bars for an alleged 2015 hit-and-run incident that cost Terry Carter his life.
- September 21, 2018
AceShowbiz - Rap mogul Suge Knight has avoided a lengthy murder trial by accepting a 28-year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter.
The Death Row Records co-founder was facing the possibility of life behind bars if found guilty of murder and attempted murder counts, relating to an alleged 2015 hit-and-run incident in a Los Angeles parking lot that cost Terry Carter his life and left another man injured.
Knight previously pleaded not guilty, claiming he acted in self defence as he tried to make a fast escape from a violent attack.
The murder trial, which had been postponed twice from its original January start date, was due to begin with jury selection next week, begs September 24, but Knight struck a plea deal with prosecutors on Thursday, September 20.
He appeared in L.A. County Superior Court as he entered a no contest plea to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. In exchange, the 53 year old was granted credit for time served, knocking close to three-and-a-half years off his prison term.
Once the prison stint comes to an end, Knight will be placed on parole for three years, according to TMZ.com.
He is due to be formally sentenced on 4 October.
