LOS ANGELES (Associated Press) — Former rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight told a judge that he is suffering from blindness and other health complications moments before he was taken to a hospital Monday morning.
Knight told Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Brandlin that he had fired attorneys handling his murder case and was receiving inadequate medical treatment while in custody.
The Death Row Records co-founder said he was blind in one eye and had only about 15 percent vision in his other eye during a brief court appearance on Monday. Knight said he was having difficulty comprehending the proceedings and told the judge he had been shot six times last year and had a blood clot in his lungs and other complications. He also said he had lost 35 pounds as a result of his injuries.
Brandlin transferred Knight's case to another judge, and he was taken for medical care before his case could be called in Judge Ronald Coen's courtroom. Coen said before calling the case that Knight had been taken to a hospital, but he did not elaborate.
Knight has pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder and hit-and-run charges after he struck two men with his truck, killing one, on Jan. 29. He remains held without bail.
Attorney David Kenner, who has represented Knight since the case was filed, told Coen that his client has been jailed too long and a hearing to set bail should be convened as soon as possible. Coen ordered another hearing for Knight on March 9, although a bail hearing may not occur until March 20.
Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Barnes on Monday repeated a previous statement that she plans to introduce evidence of several crimes Knight was never charged with during the bail hearing.
Knight said he had fired Kenner and his law partner, telling Brandlin, "I fired these lawyers."
Suge Knight fired his lawyer David Kenner (left) and spoke on his own behalf in court Monday
Monday's hearing marks the third time Knight has been taken from a courthouse for medical care since he was charged with murder in early February.
Knight repeatedly tried to speak during the hearing in Brandlin's courtroom, but the judge admonished him not to interrupt. Knight sat down and muttered an expletive while Brandlin quickly concluded the proceedings. Knight wore orange jail attire and glasses during the hearing, and he spoke while flanked by deputies.
Paramedics were summoned to look at Knight before the hearing, and deputies placed a trash can in front of him after he began his tirade about his health and lawyers.
Knight, 49, was shot six times at a nightclub in August. Within days of his release from the hospital, he was accused by a celebrity photographer of stealing her camera.
Prosecutors charged Knight and comedian Katt Williams with robbery over the incident, and both men have pleaded not guilty.
Knight faces up to life in prison if convicted of killing Terry Carter, 55, during a confrontation at a Compton burger stand in late January. Kenner has said Knight was ambushed, but that assertion hasn't been made in court yet.
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Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP
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