Snoop Dogg’s 1993 murder charge was a pivotal moment in his early career.

Snoop Dogg has officially closed the door on a pivotal moment in his past. Earlier this year, he successfully had his 1993 murder charge sealed, removing a legal chapter that once cast a shadow over his career. According to documents revealed by TMZ, Snoop petitioned the court in January 2024, and by late February, his request to seal the arrest record was granted.

The case made major headlines in the 1990s, coming at a time when Snoop’s fame was rapidly rising. His arrest came shortly after a memorable MTV Awards performance where he performed “Murder Was the Case,” a song influenced by the allegations surrounding him. In 1993, Snoop and his bodyguard were charged in connection with a shooting in a Los Angeles park. The highly publicized trial gripped the nation, and Snoop’s not-guilty verdict in 1996 was a turning point, impacting both his music and public image.

THE 2024 SUMMER OLYMPICS

Snoop’s decision to seal his records coincides with his ongoing career success. In 2024, he became a celebrity spokesperson during the Summer Olympics, earning significant deals overseas. Notably, his arrest record had already been sealed before the Olympics began, showing that Snoop was keen to move on from his past as he embraced new ventures.

This legal victory was made possible through the support of Ceasar McDowell and his nonprofit, Unite the People, which helps individuals navigate the justice system. For Snoop, sealing his record ensures that this chapter remains in the past as he continues to flourish professionally.

MURDER WAS THE CASE

In August 1993, Snoop Dogg (born Calvin Broadus) and his bodyguard, McKinley Lee, were charged with the murder of Philip Woldemariam, a member of a rival gang, following a fatal shooting in Los Angeles. The incident took place in the Palms neighborhood when Snoop was still riding high on the success of his debut album, Doggystyle. Woldemariam was shot in the back as he attempted to flee, and Snoop was driving the vehicle at the time of the shooting.

The prosecution alleged that the shooting was gang-related, with Snoop and Lee involved in an altercation with Woldemariam before the shots were fired. Snoop turned himself in to the police following the incident, which led to his arrest on charges of first-degree murder. At the time, the case was highly publicized, not only because of Snoop’s growing fame but also due to the ongoing discussions around violence and gangster rap in mainstream media.

The Trial

The trial began in 1995 and stretched into 1996. Snoop Dogg and his bodyguard were both charged with murder, with the prosecution arguing that Snoop was complicit by driving the vehicle, enabling the shooting. The defense, however, claimed that Snoop’s bodyguard, McKinley Lee, acted in self-defense after feeling threatened by Woldemariam, who was allegedly reaching for a gun.

Throughout the trial, Snoop maintained his innocence, and his bodyguard also argued that the shooting was a response to a perceived threat. The defense emphasized that Woldemariam’s gang affiliation and prior behavior contributed to the altercation escalating. Snoop’s song “Murder Was the Case” was often referenced in the media during this period, further blurring the lines between his music persona and the real-life case.

Verdict

In February 1996, after months of testimony and legal proceedings, Snoop Dogg and his bodyguard were both acquitted of the murder charge. McKinley Lee was found not guilty of first-degree murder, and Snoop was cleared of any charges related to the shooting. The not-guilty verdict allowed Snoop to continue his career, which had been put on hold during the trial.