Showing posts with label celebrity justice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebrity justice. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 03, 2015

The Marion “Shug” Knight’s Murder Case Really Smells!

Compton, CARap Mogul, Shug Knight’s lifestyle is very troublesome.  He’s done things that may be acceptable in the African-American Rap Culture but few other places.
Personally I'm in no way vouching for Knight's lifestyle or prior conduct.  My interest is only in simple fairness. 
Violence seems to relentlessly follow Knight wherever he goes and he’s got numerous bullet scars to prove it.  Last weekend Knight was in the congested parking lot of Tam’s Burgers at Central and Rosecrans Avenues in Compton, CA.
Apparently once again violence broke out while Knight was seated in his truck at the drive in.   Knight understandably fled for his life.  In the process Knight apparently ran over his friend Terry Carter killing him and injured another man.
Knight was well known to the witnesses present.   Under the circumstances Knight’s flight seemed clearly necessary.  Knight fled to safety and called his lawyer, James Blatt.   Knight then quickly made himself available for the L.A. County Sheriff’s officers.  
Knight is now charged with murder, attempted murder and two counts of fleeing the scene of an accident.
By the way I went to the scene to investigate myself and most notably there are no surveillance cameras that could have obtained video of this event.  If any video exists it would have to come from a hand held cellphone or dashboard camera of a vehicle.
I also flew my camera drone overhead obtaining video of the entire area.  The images clearly show that lot is surrounded by an unusual and unnecessary brick wall that significantly limited Knight's options or anyone’s escape through the narrow entrances and exits. 
With the expected busy activity in the congested parking lot on a weekend night, quick vehicular escape from that lot would be nearly impossible without colliding with people or vehicles.  Had there been reasonable driveway space instead of the brick wall I suspect that no injury or death would have occurred.
When the laws related to exchanging information and rendering aid to accident victims there were promulgated there were no paramedics, just ambulance drivers and there were certainly no cellphones in everyone’s pocket.  Times have changed. 
Those injured in Tam’s parking lot almost immediately got the best help modern medicine could provide.  Knight is no paramedic or physician and reasonably understood help would be on the way.  Knight simply followed the natural law of, fight or flight choosing the later.
Cops and prosecutors have it in for Knight and apparently will go to any length to jail him whether there is evidence or not.
They want to keep Knight behind bars while this tragic case is tried in perhaps a year or two.  They also know that Knight’s criminal defense will deplete most or all of his financial assets.  
I simply can’t see any jury-convicting Knight who was obviously fleeing for his very life of anything here. 
As for the victims and their families the only thing that really matters now is civil justice and financial compensation.  That’s why we all have insurance. 
Using the Criminal Justice System for vendettas and publicity is wrong.  The cops and prosecutors need to recognize their duty and not waste taxpayer money on their current efforts to prosecute or persecute Knight.  





Red Power Ranger, Ricardo “Rico” Medina, Jr. Was Cleared in Sword Stabbing today by Prosecutors!

Ricardo "rico" Medina Jr. 
Palmdale, CA—After the totally unnecessary murder arrest and jailing of actor, Ricardo “Rico” Media, Jr. prosecutors have understandably declined criminal charges.
Roommate, Joshua Sutter, attacked Medina.  Medina fled from Sutter locking him and a girlfriend in the safety of a bedroom.  
In a wild scene like that Jack Nicholson the film, The Shining, Sutter broke down the door and Medina’s display of a sword was not enough to end Sutter’s attack.  Medina’s then justifiably stabbed Sutter.
This seemed on its face a classic but unfortunate justifiable homicide based on the information provided by the Sheriff’s spokesman.  Yet, some brain dead excuse for a cop jailed Medina despite a serious lack of evidence.
Cops can temporarily hold a potential suspect for investigation and when there is no evidence of a crime they must release him.  If later sufficient evidence is obtained then they can re-arrest their suspect. 
Medina was traumatized enough by being victimized and having to use deadly force on another. The jailing an innocent man was and is simply cruel and malicious.
Had Medina posted bail he’d have lost $100,000 forever in bondsman fees.
Now Medina must learn if Hollywood will allow him to work again despite this tragic incident and misleading publicity.  We can only hope his agent stands by him and keeps his career moving.
Cops in this jurisdiction have a duty to protect the rights of people that defend themselves and others.  This arrest was beyond indefensible. 

Imagine if they arrested and held every cop that justifably shoots someone in jail like they did Medina?  Of course some people are more equal than others in our world!





Sunday, February 01, 2015

L.A. County Sheriff Arrested the Actor who played the Red Power Ranger in an Obvious Case of Self-Defense

Ricardo Medina, Jr. 
Palmdale, CA—L.A. County Sheriff’s officers responded to a Saturday 911 call from Ricardo Medina, Jr., 37 after he reportedly stabbed his roommate. 
Deputies entered the home and found Joshua Sutter mortally wounded after being stabbed by a sword allegedly by the actor most famous for playing the Red Mighty Morphing Power Ranger. 
A Sheriff’s spokesman said that Sutter was fighting with Medina who with his unidentified girlfriend fled to a bedroom.  The dead man then forced his way into the bedroom when he was mortally wounded.
Sutter lived in the home but assuming the sheriff’s department is correct that he stepped up his violence by forcing his way into the safety of the bedroom.  Depending on size or strength disparity use of deadly force to terminate such of an attack was reasonable.
Bail for Medina was set at $1million.  
Since I specialize in self-defense cases this one is right up my alley.  Should the District Attorney senselessly file a complaint or obtain an indictment I know I can help Medina.  I'd welcome a call from him or his lawyer. 
It would be a shame to see this lad’s life be destroyed by an ill-advised prosecution.  Barring solid evidence, a confession or a witness statement this matter should end.
If Medina is forced to stand trial his career is over even if he is eventually acquitted. Americans are supposed entitled to the benefit of the reasonable doubt.  Making a jury determine if the act was justified is a form of prosecutorial tyranny. 
Such a prosecution could easily cost the accused to pay as much as $1 million in legal fees and costs.  



Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Dealing with High Profile Ugly Incidents and Celebrity Crisis Media Relations

Lindsay Lohan in handcuffs     Court pool camera image
Los Angeles, CA—The most meaningless police incidents can quickly elevate to crisis proportions.  That’s especially true for celebrities.  We’ve all seen damaging video of celebrity’s antics surrounding minor conflicts.  When such an event becomes national news it’s no longer insignificant. 
When you become a celebrity your privacy can become all but non-existent.    Along with the big cash and perks comes the media magnifying glass. 
Whatever you do pick your new friends carefully because all manner of danger can come from strangers with big smiles.   Drug dealers, extortionists and stalkers always seem to circle around celebrities like sharks.
It never hurts to have a new friend or business associate quietly checked out by a reputable private investigator.   That can save you millions later.  When you hire bodyguards look for recently retired cops or qualified licensed private investigators.  They must know how to avoid troublesome conflicts. 
As a long time cop and defense investigator I have seen both side of celebrity cases.  I need to begin with a shocking fact; cops, prosecutors or judges never treat celebrities equally.  For too many of these government officials, attaching themselves to celebrities brings brushes with fame and hope of fortune. 
The O.J. Simpson case changed many lives and made lucrative careers for cops, lawyers and low ranking journalists. 
What I’m saying is that cops are far more inclined to arrest a celebrity than to give the benefit of the doubt.  Prosecutors likewise will commence a prosecution of a celebrity where they’d normally be inclined to not file the case.
We’ve seen many high profile Hollywood criminal case acquittals that were not tied to great legal work but the all out effort to bring even the thinnest cases against celebrities.     
Some celebrities have become regulars to petty scandals and media frenzies.  We think of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan as troubled.  Were they not famous, they might have escaped arrest, conviction, and publicity mud baths.   Frankly none of their offenses deserved the massive attention they received.  Celebrity justice is by far the best reason to bar cameras from America’s courtrooms. 
Celebrities are natural targets for drunks, fools and publicity seeking parasites.   When out in public celebrities are always in danger of some unprovoked conflict.  
The best advice I can give anyone who is either famous or infamous is to lay low.  Hide behind those sun glasses and floppy hats when possible.  Pay with cash or a credit card with a business name at stores.   Discretion and conflict avoidance are paramount. 
However shit happens and you may be on the receiving end of a simple traffic citation.  You may become the victim of a disgusting criminal allegation made by some opportunist.   What you do during or after such an even can destroy or leave a career somewhat unscathed. 
Take the retired Chicago burglary detective, and now well-known actor Dennis Farina.   He once forgot he had a small loaded handgun in a bag as he was boarding a plane at LAX.  Was this some ugly crime, scandal or terrorist event?  Of course not, but Farina never had a chance with the TSA goons or LAX police. 
Eventually after spending thousands on a fine lawyer and avoiding additional publicity Farina was able to mitigate the forgettable mess into a non-conviction.  Farina’s career moved forward without a staining his reputation.  He never publicly lost his dignity.
Here are some rules:  Behave well during an arrest.  Argue your case in the courtroom and not on the street or in the press.  Always smile and try to look your best for police booking photos so they don’t look like wanted posters.  Never answer police questions, tell them you want a lawyer present first. If you’re unable to avoid the paparazzi, never try to hide your face from news cameras that looks terrible.  If cornered by journalists never say, “No Comment!”  Instead say something, WITH A SMILE,  “The matter is under investigation right now, thank you for your concern.”  If you’re already charged or indicted simply say the matter needs to be tried in the courtroom.   
Let your attorney and publicist handle the media fallout.  Unfortunately many otherwise good defense lawyers have their own publicity agenda or are not experienced to make wise media strategy.  Not all publicists are equal when it comes to crisis management.
Always remember the less said to the media is usually the best.   Always smile and never let anyone see you upset, angry or sweating.  Never slam you door or gas peddle when leaving uncomfortable locations.
Remember the paparazzi will get the big money for images and video of seemingly bad or emotionally motivated behavior.  Regrettably you will see those images again and again. The pictures will never go away and with the Internet they will out live all of us.   
Good luck, have fun, stay safe and enjoy bringing your talents to the world.





Saturday, June 09, 2012

Santa Monica Police Dragnet is in Progress for an Accident Involving Lindsay Lohan


Santa Monica, CA-Pacific Coast Highway is an incredibly scenic stretch of highway next to the ocean.

June 8th was a particularly nice morning for the somewhat troubled young actress Lindsay Lohan.   Lohan was either a passenger in or driving a black Porsche Northbound in the 1100 block on her way to portray the late and great Elizabeth Taylor in a biopic film.

Something unexpected happened.  There was a collision between a large dump truck driven by an African-American male and Lohan’s black Porsche.
Lohan and a male occupant of the Porsche were injured.  They were being followed by a SUV that stopped and rendered aid to the injured.  Aid was rendered and the insurance information was exchanged.  Once that happens no driver is required to remain at the scene for any reason including talking to police or proving themselves sober.
Santa Monica Police responded to a call by the truck driver.  Police checked all three occupants of both vehicles for impairment and found them all to be alert and sober.
As what routinely happens with vehicle accidents some drivers claim the responsibility was on the other driver.
Was this a simple case of an inattentive Porsche operator driving too fast and being unable to stop in time to avoid a collision with the rear of the truck?  Was it a case of the truck cut recklessly in front the Porsche causing the collision? 
Photos of the Lohan Porsche seem to support the cutting off theory since the damage is not from the kind of impact expected when making direct impact with another vehicle from behind. 
A young woman interviewed the truck driver on video and apparently sold her recording to TMZ.  In that interview the driver claimed that Lohan tried to flee the scene by entering the SUV that was following her.  He also claimed she was trying to hide a pink bag.  To the contrary the evidence clearly shows nobody attempted to flea anywhere.  
Both occupants of the Lohan Porsche were injured and required medical care.  That is more important than talking or arguing with the other driver.   The truck driver’s claim that Lohan was hiding a pink bag is beyond meaningless since if the bag existed nobody knows what may have been inside of it.  The truck driver went on to claim that Lohan’s people at the scene offered him money not to blab about the accident.  Did the truck driver attempt to extort money from Lohan and get rebuffed? I ask, who really cares about that?
The best part of this story is that Lohan and the other Porsche occupant have not been confirmed as the driver!  Police have yet to determine who actually was driving the Porsche!
So the Santa Monica Police Department have put out a press release asking for witnesses to come forward so they can determine what happened and most importantly who was driving the Lohan Porsche. 
Let’s review this for a second.  There is an accident with property damage and minor injuries.  Both vehicles are presumably insured and the injured in the Porsche don’t want to make claims.   This is only about a minor traffic accident and who may or may deserve a simple citation.  Does this deserve such a police dragnet?  Are they desperately looking for witnesses because it involved Lindsay Lohan?
Let’s say arguably that the truck driver was without blame.  He has not suggested that he was injured and the damages, if any involve the truck he was driving presumably owned by his employer.   Insurance information was exchanged for the vehicles and the insurers will deal with the property damage in a non-criminal setting.
Lohan never missed a beat, once she was patched up at the UCLA hospital facility in Santa Monica she reported to the set of her film.
As a long time cop and PI, I found that it’s rare that you cannot assign blame to the cause of an accident.  Most often the drivers can’t wait to tell their sides of the story to police. This appears to be one of the rare ones where police don't know who was driving. 
In this investigation the cops can simply suspend the blame due to a lack of evidence.  Lohan and her fellow Porsche occupants have an absolute right not to talk to police or anyone.  If before the Statute of Limitations expires they get enough evidence they can mail their summons to the driver who was determined to be at fault. 
What we all must understand here is, that police have not been able to clear the truck driver or the Porsche occupants of being responsible for the accident.  
Had this involved anyone other than Lindsay Lohan would anyone have cared? 



Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Lindsey Lohan is a Victim of Celebrity Justice


Beverly Hills, CALindsey Lohan has created the very public image of herself as a wild child. First of all she is very young and has had a life of privilege and excess that challenges her personal development. Looks, natural talent and a good agent brought Lohan as much trouble as her rewards because of a natural maturity issue.

Yes, Lohan made her bed and apparently filled it with alcohol, drugs and energetic lesbians. It’s all part of a surreal existence that fuels needed publicity and keeps Lohan’s name out there. The fact is, any publicity is usually good publicity in Hollywood. Publicity does have a serious down side. Lohan can’t even pee in privacy.

Lohan has not been served well by her own dysfunctional family, choice of friends or our government. Lohan is on the fast track to become another human life destroyed on the Boulevard of Broken Dreams.

When but a few American citizens find themselves arrested for petty ante DUI and drug violations they are never put on display in garish live TV courtroom settings. If and when ordinary people slip they are punished in a substantially more dignified manner.

A sick segment of our society wants to see Lohan or any celebrity suffer publicly for their misdeeds. These pathetic people need to get a life of their own.

Lohan seems to have a problem that perhaps 30 or 60 days in a sound rehabilitation program may help. This is more about a massive effort at tyrannical government humiliation, than an effort to deal with a kid with what everyone agrees has an illness. Jail cells are for criminals who hurt others. Lohan has only victimized herself.

In addition to Lohan’s woes the rent on her West Hollywood apartment and utilities must still be paid while she doing time and is in rehab with limited sources of income. Lohan may deserve some sanction, but instead she’s getting 100 times what she deserves through celebrity justice.

Lohan will have massive career obstacles when this punishment is over. Resurrection will be very difficult but not impossible.

Lohan should write a tell-all auto-biography while she is in the Gulag. I’m sure there’s a publisher or two around that will pay a decent advance for “Hollywood Rehab for Dummies” or “Life after Celebrity Justice”.

I don’t want to see Lohan as another Courtney Love or a female version of Gary Bussey. I’d hope that book would be the last we her about Lohan’s, wild child days. I do want to see Lohan in good health and enjoying publicity for her ability as an actress and singer.

If there is some saving grace is that 90 days in the financially strapped L.A. County Jail will actually get her less than three weeks in the slammer..

Will Lohan reclaim her life? We will have to wait and see.