City of Lies

In the film’s conclusion, Russell Poole remains haunted by the unresolved case of the murders of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Despite his relentless efforts to find the truth, he faces substantial obstacles from corrupt elements within the LAPD who try to cover up their involvement in the crimes. Poole believes that police officers, including David Mack and Rafa Perez, helped orchestrate Wallace’s murder, with possible connections to Death Row Records and powerful figures like Suge Knight. His theory suggests that the LAPD and Death Row were intertwined, collaborating in silence to eliminate Wallace and suppress evidence.

Throughout the film, Poole struggles to reconcile the immense corruption he uncovers, which threatens to collapse the entire system. His investigation leads him to the blacked-out final moments of Wallace’s life, where he suspects that Wallace was murdered during a coordinated ambush involving walkie-talkies and vehicles. Poole’s theories point to high-level police involvement and organized crime, but concrete proof remains elusive.

Despite working tirelessly and even resigning from the force, Poole’s pursuit of justice ultimately ends in tragedy—he suffers a heart attack and passes away, unable to see justice served. Before his death, he helps Wallace’s mother attempt to reopen the case, but corruption and systemic cover-ups keep the truth out of reach. In the film’s final scenes, a journalist pays tribute to Poole as a forgotten hero, recognizing his relentless quest for truth amid a corrupt system that remains resistant to justice. The murder cases of Wallace and Tupac remain officially unsolved, leaving a haunting question about the deeper forces behind these crimes. Poole’s unwavering dedication highlights the tragic reality of systemic corruption and the relentless pursuit of truth in a city haunted by secrets.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00