News of music executive Chris Lighty’s death on Aug. 30, 2012 sent shockwaves across the music industry. From Sean “Diddy” Combs and Missy Elliot to LL Cool J and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, friends whose careers he molded were devastated. Lighty’s grieving mother finds his passing incomprehensible and suspicious, leaving her unable to rest with the New York Medical Examiner’s ruling that he committed suicide and insisting she will file a wrongful death lawsuit against those responsible. This sentiment also rings true with longtime business associate 50 Cent, who has agreed to pay for a private inquiry in an effort to shed light on some unanswered questions and bring closure to the family.
Early reports stated that Lighty, 44, shot himself outside his home in Riverdale, an upscale Bronx community, following a heated argument with his wife Veronica. She later denied that claim. Additional reports cited overwhelming financial problems. 50 Cent has since derided that assumption saying that he and Lighty had agreed to a 2013 tour deal that would have netted him at least $4 million.
The family is divided and it was obvious at the funeral as Veronica sat on one side of the funeral with her family and Chris’ family on the other. She was named as the primary beneficiary and executor of Lighty’s will. Lighty’s children will also benefit through a $1.6 million trust.
The lead investigator, Les Levine, agrees there’s no way this is suicide.
The investigation is being guided by attorney Scott Leemon, who has volunteered his services and set up an email for anyone with information: [email protected].
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