Live Nation Worldwide Inc. is seeking enforcement of a subpoena directing the California Highway Patrol to turn over “documents and things” related to its investigation into the death of Drakeo the Ruler, who was stabbed to death during a 2021 star-studded concert at what was then called Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park.
Drakeo, 28, whose real name was Darrell Caldwell, was attacked after a fight broke out behind the main stage of the Once Upon A Time in LA music festival on Dec. 18, 2021. He died later at a hospital. Live Nation is a defendant in the consolidated case along with USC and other entities. Live Nation attorneys maintain the CHP evidence is needed to prepare its defense.
The plaintiffs in the case are Drakeo’s family members, including his mother, Darrylene Corniel, who also is the personal representative of his estate. In court papers filed Tuesday with Judge Kerry Bensinger, Live Nation attorneys maintain that the CHP has balked at the company’s subpoena to produce “documents and things” connected to Drakeo’s death by contending the case is still under investigation.
“(Live Nation) brings this motion on the ground the CHP refuses to comply with the subpoena, without justification, and defendants have a due process right to conduct the discovery,” the Live Nation lawyers write in their pleadings.
Live Nation is requesting nearly 50 items related to security provided on the day of the Drakeo’s death as well as employee names, their training and protocol and the instructions they were given. The company also wants to review audio and visual recordings of people who went in and out of the backstage area as well as reports, notes and other information related to the stabbing.
Alternatively, Live Nation asks for a stay of the subpoena pending completion of the criminal investigation as well as the setting of a status conference concerning the investigation. A hearing on Live Nation’s motion is scheduled Oct. 1. Banc of California Stadium is now called BMO Stadium.
Drakeo was a Los Angeles native who put out his first studio album, “The Truth Hurts,” in 2021.