News

Suge Knight’s Lawyer Attempts to Withdraw from Wrongful Death Retrial

By

A.Z.
–
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 09: Marion "Suge" Knight appears for a hearing at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center March 9, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The hearing was scheduled to determine if the two criminal cases against Knight, one for murder and attempted murder when Knight allegedly ran over two men in a Compton parking lot after an argument and another case involving an alleged robbery and criminal threats to a photographer in Beverly Hills, should be moved to the downtown Los Angeles courthouse.
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Just days before the retrial in the wrongful death lawsuit against Marion “Suge” Knight, his attorney, David Kenner, sought to withdraw from the case, citing a “breakdown in the attorney-client relationship.” Kenner’s motion was denied by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas D. Long on April 21, 2025.

Kenner expressed concerns over communication issues and alleged non-payment for previous services. He also claimed that Knight failed to subpoena witnesses or retain an investigator for the retrial. Despite these issues, Judge Long emphasized the importance of continuity in representation, stating, “Your motion to withdraw has been denied, and I stand by that ruling.”

Knight, currently serving a 28-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in the 2015 death of Terry Carter, voiced his frustrations in court. “But I don’t talk to my counsel,” he said. “I’m trying to communicate on the phone, and no one takes my phone calls.” He added, “I just want to have a fair trial, and I need to communicate.”

Background of the Case

The civil lawsuit, filed by Carter’s widow, Lillian, and daughters Crystal and Nekaya, stems from a 2015 incident where Knight ran over Carter with his truck in a Compton parking lot. Knight also struck and injured Cle “Bone” Sloan during the altercation. Knight claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging Sloan had a gun.

The initial trial in 2022 ended in a mistrial, with jurors deadlocked 7-5 in favor of finding Knight liable. citeturn0search5 Jury selection for the retrial began on April 22, 2025, with opening statements expected early next week.

Knight’s legal history is marked by multiple attorney changes. In 2018, he pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter for Carter’s death. His former attorney, Matthew Fletcher, was later barred from practicing law after pleading guilty to conspiracy and perjury charges related to witness tampering in Knight’s case.

As the retrial proceeds, the strained relationship between Knight and Kenner adds complexity to an already high-profile case. Judge Long has indicated that Knight is free to replace his counsel at any time.