Crime Fiction Come To Life

Wow. I started following the brouhaha over Chuck Philips’ recent LA Times story reporting new facts in Tupac Shakur’s shooting (as destroyed by The Smoking Gun when I followed a link to an old Rolling Stone article about the investigation, or lack of one, into Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace’s murder.

Holy shit. This story has enough twists and turns for half a dozen Michael Connolly thrillers. I had trouble suspending my disbelief when he portrayed the LAPD as being run by those who put their personal reputations and job security above their duty to the people. Not any more. According to Rolling Stone, when strong evidence indicated that a couple of Los Angeles police officers were directly involved in Wallace’s killing, their higher-ups squashed the investigation.

Almost in passing, the article makes a number of other suggestions. In particular, the man suspected of firing the fatal shots once was arrested for waving a gun at his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. Not long after, they were found shot in the head. It was ruled a murder-suicide.

You’re not supposed to be able to get away with this in America, but it happened, and the police helped cover it up to save their own asses. As one who tends to believe the police when the truth is in dispute, I find this thoroughly disgusting.

If anyone can point me to a follow-up with the outcome of Biggie’s wrongful-death lawsuit, I’d appreciate it.