Straight Outta the Conference Room: How a Deposition Uncovered a Murder Witness Hiding in a Civil Lawsuit

Snitches get stitches but what about deponents?A new development in the unsolved killing of Los Angeles rapper Drakeo the Ruler raises major questions about the relationship between civil litigation and criminal investigations—and what sworn testimony uncovered years after a murder can mean for a possible prosecution.In this episode of Decibel & Docket, entertainment journalist Dave Brooks and attorney Michael Seville examine Dave’s discovery of a March 2025 deposition from the wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Drakeo’s family. In the deposition, security professional Alrick Cooper testified under oath that he saw rapper YG participating in the backstage fight that preceded Drakeo’s death at the Once Upon a Time in LA festival on December 18, 2021. Cooper alleged that YG produced a three- to four-inch silver knife and slashed toward him while Drakeo stood only a few feet away.Cooper did not testify that he saw YG stab Drakeo, and his account does not identify who inflicted the fatal wound. YG has not been charged with a crime in connection with Drakeo’s death. But the testimony represents a specific eyewitness account, given under oath, placing YG in the confrontation and allegedly holding a knife.The discovery comes as the California Highway Patrol confirms that investigators recently executed a search warrant at a Burbank commercial property as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of Drakeo, whose legal name was Darrell Caldwell. Police reportedly detained and questioned YG before releasing him and seized property during the search. Authorities have declined to say whether the rapper is considered a suspect.Dave reconstructs the chaotic circumstances surrounding Drakeo’s killing, including the festival’s location in South Los Angeles, the presence of rival groups, Drakeo’s public feud with YG and the massive backstage brawl that erupted shortly before Drakeo was scheduled to perform. Although the attack unfolded near numerous witnesses and cameras, the case has remained unsolved for nearly five years.Mike then explains how information gathered through a civil lawsuit can migrate into a criminal investigation. What is the legal difference between an allegation in a court filing, sworn deposition testimony and admissible evidence presented to a criminal jury? Can prosecutors use Cooper’s deposition, or would he need to testify in person so a defendant could confront and cross-examine him?The discussion also examines the strengths and weaknesses of Cooper’s account. His description of the knife could help investigators establish the presence of a weapon, but he did not witness the fatal stabbing. His identification may also face intense scrutiny because he testified that YG was wearing a black balaclava and that he recognized the rapper largely by his eyes. A defense attorney could challenge Cooper’s memory, his opportunity to observe the fight and his relationship with Drakeo, whom he had been hired to protect.Dave and Mike also explore whether someone who participated in a violent group attack could face criminal liability for a resulting death even without personally inflicting the fatal wound. They discuss accomplice liability, the prosecution’s burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and why the precise facts surrounding the fight would matter enormously.The pair then turns to the late-breaking search warrant. What must investigators show to establish probable cause years after a crime? Does the warrant suggest that police recently obtained fresh information? And if investigators seized a cellphone, can its owner be compelled to unlock it—or must authorities rely on carriers and digital-forensics specialists?Decibel & Docket covers the intersection of music, live entertainment, business and the justice system. Hosted by Dave Brooks and Michael Seville.