DaBaby Seeks LAPD Detective’s Personnel Records in Felony Battery Case

DaBaby, also known as Jonathan Kirk, is pushing forward in his legal battle against felony battery charges in Los Angeles. The rapper is now seeking access to detailed personnel records of LAPD Detective Brett Hayhoe, who was the lead investigator in the case. Court filings obtained by Rolling Stone reveal that DaBaby and his defense lawyers believe the records might reveal acts of misconduct or bias by Detective Hayhoe.

The defense argues that Kirk has a constitutional right to review Hayhoe’s records to uncover any evidence of dishonesty, moral turpitude, or improper investigative techniques. They highlight the questionable six-man photographic lineup created by Hayhoe for a critical witness in the case, alleging that the lineup included a picture of Kirk and five other men who did not match the eyewitness’ description of the suspect. Additionally, the defense claims that Hayhoe’s police reports had significant gaps during the investigation into the alleged assault on Gary Pagar, the 64-year-old man who tried to break up a video shoot at a rented mansion three years ago.

This recent development comes after Detective Hayhoe faced criticism last June for breaking LAPD policy when he shot at an unarmed mentally ill man from inside his police cruiser. The victim, Jermaine Petit, a 39-year-old Black man, tragically died from his injuries. These incidents have raised concerns about Hayhoe’s conduct and prompted DaBaby to request access to the personnel records for a comprehensive examination.

Judge Grants DaBaby’s Request for Statements from Previous Complaints Against Detective Hayhoe

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ray Jurado has recently ruled in favor of DaBaby’s request for the “written or recorded statements” of 17 individuals who previously filed complaints against Detective Hayhoe. The judge’s decision is contingent upon DaBaby’s defense team making reasonable efforts to reach out to these individuals before the next hearing, scheduled for next month. The LAPD has opposed the disclosure, arguing that DaBaby has not made sufficient attempts to contact the complaining witnesses. As of now, the LAPD has not responded to Rolling Stone’s request for comment regarding Kirk’s case and Hayhoe’s current status within the department.

Background on DaBaby’s Felony Battery Case and Allegations Against Him

DaBaby, 31, was charged with felony battery causing serious bodily injury by the Los Angeles County District Attorney in September 2021. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in April 2022. Alongside the criminal complaint, DaBaby also faced a lawsuit from Gary Pagar, who alleges that DaBaby violated their rental agreement and physically assaulted him during the video shoot incident. Pagar claims that DaBaby invited around 40 people to the mansion, exceeding the occupancy limit stated in the lease. When Pagar confronted DaBaby about the violation, he alleges that DaBaby punched him in the face, causing injuries and property damage.

DaBaby’s legal team has countered the allegations, claiming that Pagar spat in DaBaby’s face and used a racial slur during the confrontation. These claims of racist speech have emerged during the discovery phase of the civil case. The trial for the civil lawsuit is scheduled for a setting conference on March 6. Previously, the court upheld DaBaby’s Fifth Amendment right to refuse depositions or written discovery in the civil case. However, DaBaby’s request to delay the entire civil case until after the resolution of his criminal trial was denied.

If convicted as charged, DaBaby could face up to four years in prison. This legal battle follows previous controversies involving DaBaby, including his homophobic remarks at Rolling Loud Miami two years ago. In 2018, DaBaby pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon after a fatal shooting at a North Carolina Walmart. The family of the deceased individual disputes DaBaby’s claim of self-defense. Exclusive video footage obtained by Rolling Stone appears to support the family’s account of the incident.

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