Image copyright Reuters

The former American rap music mogul Marion "Suge" Knight has been charged with murder and attempted murder following a fatal hit-and-run incident.

His lawyer says it was an accident which happened as his client tried to escape an attack last week.

Prosecutors allege that the US record producer intended to run over a friend and another man after an argument.

One of the men was killed. Marion "Suge" Knight, who turned himself in, faces life in prison if convicted.

On Monday a court commissioner revoked the $2m bail after police said the defendant had a violent past and could intimidate witnesses.

He is scheduled to appear in court in Compton, Los Angeles, on Tuesday, facing four charges under his real name Marion Hugh Knight.

His friend, Terry Carter, 55, was killed and Cle "Bone" Sloan, 51, injured in the incident in Compton, in Los Angeles County.

Image copyright AFP Image caption The fatal incident happened in a restaurant car park in Compton

Suge Knight founded Death Row Records in the 1990s, but later declared bankruptcy and the company was sold at auction.

He helped launch the careers of artists including Dr Dre, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.

The music producer has previously been convicted of armed robbery and assault with a gun.