FBI Ends Probe Into Killing of Rap Star
Bureau discards theory being pursued by its lead agent regarding slaying of Notorious B.I.G.
By Chuck Philips
Times Staff Writer
March 11, 2005

The FBI has closed an investigation into the 1997 slaying of rap star Notorious B.I.G., abandoning a controversial theory pursued by its lead agent on the case.

The bureau spent 18 months investigating the possibility that a rogue Los Angeles police officer and rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight orchestrated the killing of B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace.

FBI officials conducted a review of the investigation   and shut it down in January   after learning that Agent Philip J. Carson had discussions with lawyers for Wallace's mother, Voletta Wallace, and had been subpoenaed to testify in her wrongful-death lawsuit against the city.

The FBI has informed Voletta Wallace's lawyers that Carson will not testify in the case. Officials also ordered Carson to have no further contact with the lawyers and to refer any inquiries from them to the FBI legal department.

Voletta Wallace, whose suit accuses the Los Angeles Police Department of covering up police involvement in her son's killing, is seeking unspecified monetary damages. The case is scheduled to go to trial April 12 in federal court in Los Angeles.

It is unclear what testimony her lawyers intend to elicit from Carson.