Marion “Suge” Knight, the controversial founder of Death Row Records, remains incarcerated after being sentenced to 28 years in prison for his role in a 2015 hit-and-run incident. Knight won’t be eligible for parole until 2034, marking a significant turning point in his life following a career marked by both immense success and legal troubles.

The incident occurred on Jan. 23, 2015, in Compton, California. Knight, then 44, was involved in a confrontation outside a restaurant that escalated into a car chase. During the chase, his vehicle struck and killed Terry Carter, a 55-year-old businessman, and seriously injured Cle “Bone” Sloan. Knight initially fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities.

Facing charges of murder and manslaughter, Knight ultimately pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in 2018. This plea agreement resulted in the 28-year sentence, avoiding a potential life sentence had he been convicted of murder. The no contest plea means Knight did not formally admit guilt but accepted the punishment.

Before his imprisonment, Suge Knight was a dominant figure in the music industry. He co-founded Death Row Records in 1991 with Dr. Dre, quickly transforming it into a powerhouse label that propelled artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and many others to superstardom. Death Row Records was known for its West Coast hip-hop sound and its association with gangsta rap, becoming one of the most successful and influential record labels of the 1990s.

Knight’s career was also frequently entangled in controversy and legal battles, even before the 2015 incident. He had a reputation for aggressive behavior and was involved in numerous disputes, contributing to a turbulent image surrounding him and the label. The label's success was eventually overshadowed by legal issues and internal conflicts, leading to its decline and eventual bankruptcy.

Currently, Knight is serving his sentence at a California state prison. The lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of the consequences resulting from the tragic events of 2015 and marks the end of an era for the once-powerful music executive.