Knight's bodyguards and associates interviewed in the documentary claim they saw Mack and Perez regularly moonlighting at Death Row, dressed head to toe in red Blood gang colors, and even placed them at the Petersen Automotive Museum where Biggie was shot on March 9, 1997. allegations. Does it end up being that simple of a theory? I cant as a journalist sit here and say things definitively, but I will tell you to mark my words at some point, the truth behind Reggie Wright Jr. and his father in the Compton Police Department and what went on will come out at some point. That part, I dont think you can blame anybody for that. only released one album while he was alive, Ready To Die. Witnesses told documentary director Nick Broomfield two LAPD officers David Mack (left) and Rafael Perez (right) were at the scene of the crime and gave evidence that they were gang members. However, there are some FBI agents and LAPD officers who have seen the proof related to B.I.G.s murder firsthand. Interestingly, Last Man Standing is not the only film project about Smalls' death to surface this year. Its like, what why would you disclose all this information? Poole, played by Johnny Depp, was the first detective assigned to work the drive-by shooting death of Smalls. You talk about a guy that was just feeling like the world was his oyster. But there is a story to be told about the Compton Police Department and Reggie Wright Jr. and Reggie Wright Sr. Phil Carson:Lets just say the LAPD had that in their file. For me, Ive interviewed Suge. Because of his refusal, Poole said, he was ostracized, lost confidence in himself and couldnt sleep at night. I cant sit here and give you anything outside of that. What are your thoughts on that theory? Russell Poole was a highly decorated Los Angeles Police Department officer and investigated many high-profile cases during his career, including being involved in the Rampart investigation. Phil, I think you asked them if you could run forensics, and I think you also were shut down, correct? [9], In February 2000, Prez was sentenced to five years in prison for stealing eight pounds of cocaine from an LAPD evidence locker. He felt like he ruled the world. Rafael Perez Jr of El paso County, Texas was born c. 1948. Russ Poole was doing the right thing, period. Don Sikorski:So 20 years at the FBI. Federal charges awaited the civil rights and firearms violations resulting from the unlawful shooting of Javier Ovando. Randall Sullivan has written for Rolling Stone, Esquire, and other magazines. The bottom line is Tupac was his cash cow. I think when you start to look at the relationship between Suge and Reggie Wright Jr. and who hired the police officers running Suges security, theres a story there. 'There was very widespread corruption, not just confined to Death Row Records. The LAPD was later fined $1.1million by a superior court judge for concealing Boagne's testimony from Wallace's family in a $500million civil lawsuit brought by Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace, against the department. Former Los Angeles police officer Rafael Perez looks back at the courtroom on July 12, 2001. . But I guess what I can say is, its not like I just woke up one day and said, Okay, I want this person to be found guilty of this murder. Its been attributed to Orlando Anderson. And I think more so as probably a father than the Police Chief. And he goes, Yeah, thats the guy. Josh Boswell For Dailymail.com Carson was the lead FBI agent designated to examine the murder of the Notorious B.I.G. Rick Meyer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images. But does that lend proof to have dangerous he was? Rafael Prez reads a statement during his sentencing hearing in February 2000. Rafael Prez received a five-year sentence and immunity from further prosecution. Do you think David Mack was that brazen after committing such a high profile murder? If you talk to people inside the LAPD, they have nothing but glowing things to say [about Sergio Robledo.] Russell Poole and Jack Jackson investigate the murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G.Russell Poole and Jack Jackson investigate the murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G.Russell Poole and Jack Jackson investigate the murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G. Witnesses came forward on camera to place the two cops, David Mack and Rafael Perez, at the scene of the crime and gave evidence that they were gang members moonlighting as bodyguards for Knight - contradicting previous statements from then-police chief Bernard Parks. If Greg Kadings theory is correct, why is a detective within LAPD robbery-homicide, locking information and evidence in his inside his drawer? The lawsuit states the killing was committed "in a very efficient, organized and professional manner, suggesting that a high degree of coordination and planning preceded his murder." was gunned down. Thats awesome. The film is based on Randall Sullivan's book Labyrinth, which delves into LAPD Robbery Homicide Investigator Russell Poole's work. You saw the actual footage of Amir Muhammad lurking around The Petersen? So 20 years at the FBI. Secondarily, inside of his home, they find Gecko ammunition, the same ammunition that was used to kill Biggie thats only available in two places: in New Jersey and Corona, California, where ironically enough, Amir Muhammed does some mortgage transactions. Suge he had a lot of very successful artists that were very profitable for him. Then, go inside the real story of Frank Serpico, the NYPD officer who was nearly killed for exposing rampant bribery and crime within the NYPD. I get that. So even when they said they didnt want to be part of something, I still had to tell them that was going on. If the evidence says that Amir Muhammad was not the shooter, great. He believed that Death Row Records was working with LAPD cops Rafael Perez and David Mack, and that a friend of Mack's actually killed Wallace. )[8] The cocaine was estimated to be worth $800,000 on the street. According to Prez, they were conducting drug surveillance from an apartment in an unoccupied building when they justifiably shot Ovando. Directed by Chapman Way, Maclain Way. Christle sued the LAPD, claiming promotions and assignments were being doled out in exchange for sexual favors. So thats one connection. Prez, like many young officers, felt the adrenaline rush of buying drugs from street dealers, relishing in the power and authority of it. According to Prez, they were conducting drug surveillance from an apartment in an unoccupied building when they justifiably shot Ovando. And by 2000, hed cut a plea deal and implicated 70 of his fellow CRASH officers in misconduct ranging from drinking on the job to murder. More Russell Poole Pages at Baseball Reference. In fact, Kading told the site, "Poole knew that I knew his theory about the Biggie Smalls murder was wrong.". Two people have seen this photograph and gone on official court records to state that she was in a photograph with Mack and with Perez. He is brought into LAPD robbery-homicide, which is the most anointed division of the LAPD, it is where the best of the best go when they are the greatest of the greatest in solving murders. As a freelance writer, he spends his time writing about true crime. Over nine months, Prez admitted to hundreds of instances of perjury, fabrication of evidence, and false arrests. The investigating officers became immediately suspicious of assistant bank manager Errolyn Romero, who had arranged for more cash than was necessary to be delivered to the bank just 10 minutes before the robbery. The closest Prez came to seeing him was via a photograph at age 30. On August 25, 1998, Prez, then age 31 and a nine-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was arrested for stealing six pounds (2.7kg) of cocaine from a department property room. As well as delving into the murder probes, Broomfield sought to paint a picture of the fall of both superstar rappers Tupac and Biggie into gang warfare. Correctly sensing a lengthy conviction, Prez cut a deal on Sept. 8, 1999, according to an LAPD press release. Ovando, who was left paralyzed, was sentenced to 23 years in prison based on the officers' false testimony. NYPDs corruption in the infamous 77th Precinct. Journalist Don Sikorski goes in search of David Mack and Rafael Perez. ! Why wasnt Russell Poole allowed to run ballistics? Phil, how many years were you at the FBI, 18 years? Perez started the Grand Prix in fifth, but was sent spinning onto the gravel on the opening lap after making contact with Russell and was ultimately forced to retire due to the damage sustained. Don Sikorski, Furman, and producer Jess Fuerst talk . He operated with the attitude, arrogance, and untouchable air that typified the perceived protection he received. For my first documentary, I was able to interview him. 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Im one of those people where I always let the evidence speak for itself. An honest federal agent. Ive seen cases that also involve these officers in other areas. Your IP: Then they show a picture of Big Gene, standing outside next to Puffys car. When they first went and talked to him, theyre throwing out multiple six-packs. At the center of the case is former LAPD Detective Russell Poole, who resigned from the force in 1999 after feeling as if his investigation was being stonewalled from within. In 1998, he was assigned an investigation regarding the alleged beating of Ismael Jimenez, a reputed gang member, by LAPD officers, and a suspected cover-up of the incident. Blues | Frontline | PBS", "Notorious B.I.G. That guy kept his mouth quiet. Was LAPD involved in this murder? He is brought into LAPD robbery-homicide, which is the most anointed division of the LAPD, it is where the best of the best go when they are the greatest of the greatest in solving murders. Post author By ; applied regression analysis lecture notes Post date Janeiro 19, 2023; Who were some of the people that you interviewed and what kind of information did they give you that you had to sort through regarding this theory? Don Sikorski:For me, Ive interviewed Suge. It was in greatnew condition This book is very well written and answers any questions you may have regarding the murders of 2pac & Biggie. [3] And when he lost his cash cow, it does come down to a simple fact of okay, Im gonna, Im gonna ruin it [for everybody].. When Prez was finally arrested, he implicated 70 other Rampart Division officers in various forms of misconduct, ranging from bad shootings to consuming alcohol while on duty. But why are you guys spending all this time and energy and resources and lies covering that up? He has now shot under 40 percent in four of the past five games, placing him . Russell Poole and Greg Kading came to very different conclusions. FBI Agent Phil Carson dropped a bombshell revelation on the shooter's alleged target, which was thought to be Sean "Diddy" Combs. [citation needed], On November 6, 1997, fellow CRASH officer David Mack and two accomplices stole $722,000 during a robbery at a Bank of America branch near the University of Southern California campus. With David Mack, the bank robbery took place seven to eight months after B.I.G. I mean, hes a pristine detective. Im one of those people where I always let the evidence speak for itself. See production, box office & company info, Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie, Entered the cinema doubtful, left wanting to watch again. According to author Michael Douglas Carlin, former LAPD detective Russell Poole planned on apologizing to Suge Knight prior to his passing last year . At the same timeyoure covering stuff up. But everybody wants to know, was LAPD involved in orchestrating this murder? A must read for hip hop fans! Rafael Prez should have protected the public by lawfully dismantling gangs. This was before Perez had emerged as the central figure in the Rampart police abuse scandal. So I ask you the question, Grouchy Greg. After decades investigating the two murders and reviewing both LAPD and FBI probes on the case, Broomfield believes the department concealed and withheld evidence to prevent the embarrassing truth emerging: that two corrupt, gang-affiliated officers orchestrated a high-profile murder on their city streets. James Earl Ray was apprehended and plead guilty to shooting Dr. King. Poole's theory about Wallace's death, explained in LAbyrinth and reported in The Guardian, is that members of the LAPD were involved. After retiring in 1999, he formed a private . Prez existed in a police world above those of ordinary men and women where the rules dont apply. Thats fine. Within a week of the theft, detectives focused on him. AllHipHop:Phil, in terms of evidence pointing to that, you said you spoke to a number of people. A must read for hip hop fans! The second person that investigated this murder, and came to the conclusion that the LAPD was involved is a man by the name of Sergio Robledo. In part two of AllHipHops groundbreaking conversation with FBI agent Phil Carson and award-winning journalist Don Sikorski, the pair delve deep into the FBIs investigation, the evidence against two infamous rogue LAPD cops Rafael Perez and David Mack, and the alleged triggerman Amir Muhammad. AllHipHop:What Don is referring to is the mistrial of Biggies civil case in 2005 when Judge Florence Cooper had to order the LAPD to turn over documents to B.I.G.s family lawyer Perry Sanders, which was a rather shocking moment and twist in that case. 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