According to Los Angeles Police Department, On September 24, 2004 at approximately 11:50 p.m., Damien Patrick Holland, 25, son of legendary R&B Singer Chaka Khan, shot to death an 18-year-old male. The incident took place at Holland's apartment where the two men struggled for control over a gun, which discharged a bullet and struck the victim. According to police, the victim was transported to the nearest hospital where he died of his injuries. The identification of the victim is pending notification to his family. Damien Holland claims it was an accident.

Living in a time in which the line between truth and fiction has virtually disappeared, as evidenced in recent events, one can never be too skeptical. Let's remember that today society says "it's ok, even expected, to use whatever and whomever you can to succeed." As a result we have Britney Spears, who marries twice (or at least pretends to marry) for publicity; not to be undone, Janet Jackson grabs the headlines with indecent exposure before the world for publicity; Michael Jackson flirts with the charges of pedophilia for a chance at 'wowing' a crowd dancing on the hood of an SUV for publicity; Martin Lawrence was arrested for erratic behavior just days before he had a new movie coming out for publicity; Kobe Bryant is a accused by a woman who could not have had a spottier background — he got publicity; Snoop Dogg arrives at an award ceremony in a swat-like style armored car while the blinding camera flashes capture cops drawing guns ... and when it's all over (you know the story, charges are dropped, settlement is reached, or case is dismissed on a technicality) we glorify them. They are bigger than ever. We've all played our small parts in a 'reality' movie that will play on a global scale, and we didn't even know it.

Too cynical? Celebrities and politicians have been known to use all resources available to promote their careers and agendas. No wonder when bad news is reported about a celebrity or a politician, many viewers now remark "they must have a movie coming out," or "look for an album release," or "an election must be approaching." But murder?

Will Chaka Khan, a celebrity in grave need of some publicity-rev draw the line at the attention that a murder charge against her son may bring her way? Maybe. But let's fine toothcomb through this incident. Damien Holland, 25, son of a legendary superstar singer, is charged with killing a man on Friday September 24th. Yet, the media does not report the murder until late Monday evening. It's kind of strange. The identity of the deceased is being withheld until the family of the reported minor is notified. But the "minor" is an 18-year old male of majority age. At any rate, I was just wondering exactly when the family would be notified that their "minor" sibling was murdered 4 days ago. In the meantime, Damien Holland sits in a jail with a $1 Million dollar bail on his head. Can't or won't make bail?

Oh by the way, Damien Holland is an aspiring music producer, whose superstar mother Chaka Khan has a new CD release due out October 5, 2004 on Sanctuary Records. So I wouldn't be surprised if they miraculously drop the charges. Yes folks, the publicity stunts are played even with capital cases.

Get the picture?