Family of Terry Carter, who was fatally struck by Knight in 2015, vows to bring the case again after jurors deadlock seven to five in favor of finding the former music executive liable.
AceShowbiz –Suge Knight‘s civil trial over allegations he negligently moved down Terry Carter with his truck amid a dispute in 2015 has ended in a mistrial. Compton Superior Court Judge Thomas Long declared a mistrial on Wednesday, June 22 after the jury deadlocked in the wrongful death lawsuit.
According to court records, jury deliberation began June 14, but after less than 30 minutes of meeting on Wednesday, jurors reported they were deadlocked 7-5 in favor of finding the former Death Row Records CEO liable. “The Court and Counsel confer regarding declaring a mistrial. Both sides agree that a mistrial should be declared,” court records said. A determination requires nine votes in favor of the plaintiff.
Knight’s lawyer David Kenner told Rolling Stone his client was “relieved.” He added, “He finally got to tell his side of the story. He had a viable defense. This case had two sides to it. Of all the history of Suge Knight and Death Row, this was not the case that should have been utilized to shut him down.”
Meanwhile, Carter’s widow Lillian Carter and his two daughters Crystal and Nekaya, who attended each day of the trial, said that they plan to bring the case again. “It’s unfortunate, but the jury worked very hard. It feels good to know we were the majority,” Crystal said. “We look forward to trying the case again to get victory for my dad. To get justice.”
Knight was accused of fatally striking Carter with his truck during a dispute on the set of the 2015 N.W.A biopic “Straight Outta Compton“. The suit alleged that Universal Studios, which distributed the film and was named in the lawsuit, along with producers Ice Cube and Dr. Dre among others, knew of the tension between Knight, Dre and advisor Cle “Bone” Sloan, but moved forward with the film. Knight, who is played in the film by actor R. Marcus Taylor, objected to his portrayal.
Carter was killed after Knight and Sloan fought in the parking lot of Tam’s Burgers in Compton. Knight reversed a pickup he was driving and hit Sloan, who was knocked unconscious and injured in the head and legs. He then pulled forward, striking Carter again, and drove off.
Knight was originally charged with murder, attempted murder and hit-and-run after fleeing the scene. He pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death. He was sentenced to 28 years in prison, 22 years for running over the victim and another six years because it is a third-strike violation.
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