Ignore Rapper’s Status, Prosector Tells Jury

The prosecution in the Snoop Doggy Dogg murder trial concluded its closing arguments in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, telling jurors not to consider the rapper’s star status when deciding his guilt or innocence.

“He has to abide by the same rules and conduct that the rest of us do,” co-prosecutor Ed Nison told the panel.

The rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, and his former bodyguard, McKinley Lee, have been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit assault in connection with Philip Woldemariam’s shooting death on Aug. 25, 1993. The two men remain free on bail.

Prosecutors say Woldemariam, 20, was gunned down in Woodbine Park in the Palms area after a gang-related dispute with Broadus and Lee. But defense lawyers say Woldemariam was going for a gun in his waistband when Lee fired at him from a Jeep driven by Broadus.

“It’s clear when Phil was shot he was not facing the Jeep,” Nison said. “If he had a gun, there would have been a gun battle.” The second day of the prosecution’s closing arguments drew several recording artists to the courtroom audience. Tupac Shakur, Hammer and Devante, who performs with Jodeci, joined Suge Knight, the head of Broadus’ label, Death Row Records, in support of Broadus. The defense is expected to begin its closing arguments this morning.