July 16, 2013, Silver Spring, MD – After a critically acclaimed season one, the investigative docu-series Celebrity Crime Files returns Monday, August 5, at 9 PM/ET for a second season. Probing into some of the most notorious crimes of our generation, Celebrity Crime Files excavates infamous scandals surrounding prominent figures in entertainment, sports, and politics, including Michael Jackson, The Notorious B.I.G., Bumpy Johnson and Kwame Kilpatrick.
“With the return of our popular investigative docu-series, we dig even deeper into the world of celebrity crimes – examining the stories of both the accused and the victims,” Said Maureen Guthman, SVP of Program Strategy and Acquisitions for TV One. “Viewers who turn to TV One for compelling storytelling are sure to be captivated by the subjects of this season.”
Celebrity Crime Files season two explores the real story behind crimes involving:
- Bumpy Johnson – Harlem’s own Godfather and one of the most notorious crime figures of all time. Once deemed “the most dangerous man in New York,” Bumpy Johnson’s money, power and charisma made him a bona-fide celebrity and his story inspired many critically-acclaimed films such as “American Gangster” and “Hoodlum.”
- John Whitehead – The second half of the hit-making duo McFadden and Whitehead, best remember for their hit song, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” was ambushed in his backyard and killed by an unidentified gunman. Nearly a decade later, the unexplained crime remains a burden to John Whitehead’s friends and family.
- Scott LaRock – The late 80s hip-hop pioneer and co-founder of the famous Boogie Down Productions was murdered at the brink of international stardom. Whether Scott LaRock’s was targeted or simply an unfortunate casualty remains a mystery to this day.
- Rubin “Hurricane” Carter – The boxing superstar was falsely accused of murdering bartender and two patrons in 1966 and sentenced to life in prison. Following the release of his best-selling biography, there was an outcry for his release by celebrities that included Muhammad Ali and Bob Dylan. Nearly two decades after he was sent to prison, Rubin’s conviction was overturned and, to this day, he remains an advocate for prisoners who have been wrongly convicted.
- Mac Dre – Mac Dre was an up-and-coming rapper that gained recognition by recording his album over the phone and starting his own label all while serving a four-year prison sentence. After his release from prison, Mac Dre’s sudden rise to fame took a fatal turn when he was gunned down in a drive by shooting.
- Lorenzen Wright – On July 18, 2009, the veteran NBA player allegedly made a distressed call to Memphis 911, but a scream and rapid gunfire was all that was heard. His body was discovered in a field 10 days, later riddled with bullets. Years later, the crime remains a mystery and family, friends, and fans of the basketball player demand answers.
- Magnolia Shorty – The undisputed “Queen of New Orleans bounce music” and beloved member of the community was ruthlessly murdered in a rental car near her New Orleans home by several mysterious gunmen. Gun violence statistics show that the city of New Orleans post-Katrina was a violent place, but the motive behind Magnolia Shorty’s murder remains a mystery.
- Lyman Bostock – Lyman Bostock was a left-handed hitter for the California Angels with a sweet swing and an even sweeter personality. His promising career was taken from him by a careless shotgun blast that was meant for another. Bostock’s death would go on to change Indiana state law after the man who pulled the trigger was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity released after 21 months.
- The Notorious B.I.G. – Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, the death of Christopher Wallace (known as The Notorious B.I.G.) would become the most infamous hip-hop celebrity murders to date. In 2012, a classified autopsy report was released that provided a much more detailed account of how exactly he was killed that night.
- Michael Winans – Music producer and Grammy nominee Michael Winans comes from a prestigious family of talented gospel performers. However, the disgraced artist, who has worked with Diddy and Chris Brown, among several other artists, is awaiting a 14-year prison sentence after being convicted of financial fraud for collecting millions of dollars primarily from members of Christian churches in Michigan. To this day he continues to insist that he is not guilty of such a heartless crime.
- Kwame Kilpatrick – The youngest candidate ever to be elected mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick made some very unpopular decisions in his two terms. Time Magazine even voted him one of the worst mayors in the United States in 2005. In 2013, he was convicted of a series of crimes including extortion, racketeering, and bribery, as well as several mail, wire and tax fraud charges.
- Michael Jackson – Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful entertainer of all time, the King of Pop’s career was marred by physical and emotional scars, allegations of sexual indiscretions and one of the most controversial deaths of this decade. While prepping for his comeback tour in 2009, Jackson was found barely conscious by his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who tried to resuscitate him before calling 911. A dangerous amount of painkillers found in Jackson’s system at his time of dead would later lead to Dr. Murray being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years in prison.
The series is produced for TV One by K2 Pictures. Executive producers for the series are Robert Katz and Philip Hack, and co-executive producer is Chris Perera. Executive in charge of production for TV One is Robyn Greene Arrington.
Who narrates celebrity crime files