An interview with Greg Kading, the LAPD detective that investigated the murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.

An Italian translation is available here.

From 2006 to 2009 LAPD dectective Greg Kading was assigned to lead the task force that investigated the murders of the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. To help us understand some details of the investigation Grag Kading accepted our proposal for an interview which we are offering today our readers.

We would like to thank Greg Kading for his kindness and willingness to help.

125esima Strada: Can you briefly explain what led you guys to conclude that Orlando Anderson what the shooter in Tupac's murder?

Greg Kading: Orlando was the obvious choice, because of his motive. Several informants stated he was bragging about the murder. Ultimately, his own uncle, Keffe D, acknowledged Orlando was the shooter. Also, Mob James [Death Row Records security boss, editor's note] saw Orlando in the white Cadillac at the 662 Club just prior to the shooting.

125esima Strada: After 24 years we are still not sure where the groupies in a Chrysler were: some accounts say they were on the left-hand side of Tupac’s car, while others (among which the girls themselves) say they were on the right hand side, just in front of the white Cadillac with the shooter. What are your thoughts on this?

Greg Kading: The girls were in the best position to know where they were. I would rely on their statements.


125esima Strada: Do you think LVPD did all that they could to solve the case or were mistakes or omissions done?

Greg Kading: I believe they could have been more pro-active, but things were complicating the case, such as witnesses were not coming forward or being truthful


125esima Strada: Can you briefly explain what led you guys to conclude that Poochie was the shooter in Biggie’s murder?

Greg Kading: We knew Poochie was a known enforcer for Suge. Then we had co-conspiracy testimony from his accomplice, Tammie Hawkins. Since then, others have corroborated what we discovered.

125esima Strada: What do you think of Russel Pool’s theory according to which corrupt LAPD agents were involved?

Greg Kading: It was entirely disproven.


125esima Strada: So do you think the Rampart scandal was completely unrelated to Biggie’s murder? Rampart scandal was real, anyway.

Greg Kading: The Rampart scandal, was in itself a scandal. In the end, it was just Rafael Perez making up stories. It had no connection whatsoever to Biggie's murder. If you do your research on the Rampart case, you’ll discover that 95% of the allegations Perez made against other officers were disproven. In the end, the entire scandal was based on false allegations made by Perez. Millions and millions of dollars had to be paid out to the cops he falsely accused.


125esima Strada: Do you think OJ Simpson’s case and the race question affected the investigation on Biggie’s murder?

Greg Kading: No. There were several black cops assigned to Biggie's case. Race was not an issue at all in B.I.G.'s case.