Russell Poole was a detective who gained recognition for his work with the Los Angeles Police Department, particularly for his involvement in the investigation of the murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G. He was born on May 17, 1956, in La Mirada, California, and his father was also a member of the LAPD.
Poole joined the LAPD in 1981 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a detective trainee within three years. His investigative skills and dedication to solving crimes earned him a reputation as a tenacious and thorough investigator.
One of Poole's most notable cases was his primary role in the investigation of the murder of Notorious B.I.G., which garnered national attention. His work on this case would later be detailed in the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "LAbyrinth" by Randall Sullivan, shedding light on the complexities and challenges of solving high-profile crimes.
Throughout his career, Poole faced numerous challenges, including his involvement in the infamous Rampart Scandal of the late 1990s. Despite the controversy and scrutiny surrounding the scandal, Poole remained dedicated to seeking justice and upholding the integrity of the LAPD.
In addition to his work on the Notorious B.I.G. case, Poole also contributed to the investigation into the murder of Tupac Shakur. He offered an alternative theory to the crime, which was later explored in the crime non-fiction book "Tupac: 187."
One of the most significant moments in Poole's career was his appearance in Nick Broomfield's 2002 documentary "Biggie & Tupac," where he shared insights into his investigations and the challenges he faced in solving these high-profile cases.
Despite the controversies and challenges he faced, Russell Poole remained committed to his work as a detective, seeking justice and uncovering the truth behind some of the most notorious crimes in Los Angeles. His legacy lives on in the investigations he spearheaded and the impact he had on the criminal justice system.