The Untold Story of Snoop Dogg’s 1993 Murder Charge

In 1993, the renowned rapper Snoop Dogg, also known as Calvin Broadus or The D-O-double G, faced a first-degree murder charge following a fatal shooting by his bodyguard, McKinley Lee, aka Malik.

The incident occurred while the then 21-year-old rapper was in his vehicle, and a member of a rival gang was shot and killed.

In the latest episode of DISGRACELAND, Jake Brennan delves into the events leading up to Snoop's arrest, tracing back to his days as Dr. Dre's protégé.

Jake leaves no stone unturned as he discusses how Snoop's affiliation with the streets ultimately resulted in his 1993 arrest.

Jake emphasizes that regardless of Snoop's rise to fame, he remained connected to the streets where he grew up.

Riding with the Rollin 20 crips since his youth, Snoop never felt the urge to distance himself from his origins, despite his success.

It is these factors, among others, that some argue contributed to Snoop becoming entangled in a murder case.

After an intense encounter with rival gang members outside his apartment one August afternoon, Snoop unexpectedly found himself face-to-face with them again hours later.

Jake vividly describes the scene at Palms Park, where the gang members were seated at a picnic table in plain sight.

Snoop, without hesitation, approached them in his Jeep, abruptly stopping near them.

As the gang members paused their meal, one of them, known as Little Smooth or Phillip Woldermariam, stood up.

Snoop and Malik both wore expressions of surprise and confusion.

Phillip exclaimed, “I'm not trying to sweat you all.

I'm just trying to let you know where you're at.”

This confrontation escalated when Malik, standing in the t0pless Jeep, stared menacingly at Phillip.

Provoked, Phillip shouted, “Oh, what?

I'm a punk now?”

In response, Malik sternly asked, “What?”

According to Jason London, Phillip's friend and witness to the incident, this is when Malik drew his pistol and aimed it at Phillip.

The events that followed would become the foundation of Snoop's trial in 1995.

As per Malik's account, Phillip reached for his concealed .380 pistol, but Malik anticipated the move.

Snoop ducked, and Malik fired from the Jeep, causing Phillip to fall before he could retaliate against Snoop and his crew.

Snoop hastily accelerated and fled the scene, going into hiding with Malik and Sean.

Tragically, Phillip Woldermariam lost his life, face down on the streets.

Snoop turned himself in a couple of days later, conveniently after the Video Music Awards.

The trial did not take place until 1995, where Snoop faced the charge of murder.

However, a racially diverse jury could not convict him, leading to extensive debate surrounding Snoop and Malik's claim of self-defense.

They argued that Phillip Woldermariam possessed a gun and posed a threat to their lives.

During the trial, it emerged that Phillip's friend, who was present at Palms Park, had hidden the gun.

Jason London testified that yes, Phillip was armed and that the weapon had been removed from the scene to protect him.

As if these revelations were not enough to aid Snoop's defense, the Los Angeles Police Department's mishandling of the case further weakened the prosecution's position.

Shockingly, the LAPD had negligently destroyed Phillip's clothing, bullets, and shell casings from the crime scene.

This revelation visibly frustrated the jury, and ultimately, Snoop and Malik were acquitted, allowing them to return to the streets without delay.

In response to the outcome, Snoop simply stated, “I'm innocent,” as Jake concludes his narration.