Filming of Universal’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Results in Wrongful Death Suit

Former rap mogul Marion “Suge” Night found himself in a lawsuit last June while being accused of a hit and run that severely injured one man — Cle Sloan — and left another dead. The event took place back in January 2015 on the set of Universal’s “Straight Outta Compton.”

The widow of the killed victim, Terry Carter, has come forward with a wrongful death lawsuit for Universal, Knight and producers Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. The two producers hired a wrongful death lawyer, such as those located in Salt Lake City and elsewhere, but are insisting on being dropped from the case.

The lawsuit alleges that Knight is responsible for murder, attempted murder and hit-and-run. The lawsuit also claims that Universal and the other two defendants — Ice Cube and Dr. Dre — failed to hire adequate security and were negligent on the set of the film.

Security footage shows Knight in a red pickup at Tam’s Burgers — a filming site for the movie — where Sloan appears to approach Knight. Seconds following, Knight’s pickup runs over Sloan as he backs up and then accelerates forward and strikes Terry Carter. Knight claims that both Carter and Sloan were armed and he “feared for his life.” As a U.S. citizen he has the right to argue self-defense, whether he is in California or Salt Lake City.

Universal is being accused of negligence for continuing to film in Compton, California despite its awareness of Dr. Dre and Knight’s disputes throughout the past couple of years. Dr. Dre warned the security team to keep Knight away from production but they failed to carry out this request.

Dr. Dre’s wrongful death lawyer claims the lawsuit to be “preposterous.” The Compliant states there to be no support in accusing Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. As for Knight, he has pleaded not guilty, claiming he was acting in “self-defense.”

Bail for Knight was originally set at $25 million but was lowered to $10 million. The case continues to be delayed because Knight continues to change his wrongful death lawyer. From Salt Lake City to the East Coast, people remain anxious to hear if Knight will be found guilty for all charges.

While the case is still under review, the widow of Carter has been given permission to carry out with her wrongful death lawsuit. Still under investigation for murder, attempted murder and hit-and-run, Knight has recently lost all access to visitors and phone calls.

If convicted, Knight will face life sentences, a standard punishment for murder in California and Salt Lake City. He is due back at court with his lawyer on February 22, 2016.

Alyssa Koenig is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.