RIP

Michelle Carter, the woman who encouraged her boyfriend to kill himself in a series of texts, has been released early from prison.

The 23-year-old from Massachusetts walked free Thursday morning out of Bristol County House of Correction ahead of her scheduled release ... due to 'good behavior' on the inside.

Carter -- convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Conrad Roy III's suicide -- was sentenced to 15 months, and 5 years probation last February. So, she's getting out about 3 months early.

A spokesman for the Bristol County Sheriff's Office said, "Ms. Carter has been a model inmate here at the Bristol County House of Corrections. She has participated in a variety of programs, held a job inside the jail, has been polite to our staff and volunteers, has gotten along with the other inmates, and we've had no discipline issues with her whatsoever."

The so-called texting suicide case captivated the nation due to issues of free speech, and whether someone should be convicted for someone else's suicide.

Carter was wearing the same outfit she had on the day she was sentenced as she was released from custody. Her family was there to pick her up.

Juice WRLD died from an accidental overdose ... according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.

The M.E.'s Office says it found Oxycodone and codeine in his system and determined he died from toxic levels of those drugs.

TMZ broke the story ... Juice WRLD died in early December following a drug bust at Midway Airport in Chicago. Witnesses believed the rapper had swallowed a bunch of Percocet pills in an attempt to hide them from the feds. He ultimately suffered seizures, which proved fatal.

We should note Oxycodone is the main active ingredient in Percocet. Juice often rapped and talked about abusing lean -- aka codeine cough syrup. So, the presence of codeine in his system adds up.

As we reported, after Juice WRLD's death his mother, Carmella Wallace, told us her son had "battled with prescription drug dependency." She told us her hope was that Juice's openness about his struggles would help others dealing with the same issues.

The feds also found 70 pounds of weed in multiple vacuum-sealed bags inside luggage from the private jet. But, as we reported ... it doesn't appear anyone will be charged for the weed.

DeSean Jackson will be honoring his friend and late-legend Nipsey Hussle whenever he's rolling through the streets ... tricking out a Rolls-Royce to pay tribute to the slain rapper.

D-Jax -- who repped the L.A. rapper all season with custom cleats -- is keeping his tribute going on the road ... by pimpin' his 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan interior in "Nipsey Blue."

Not only do the seats pay homage to Nip ... custom lighting on the doors projects Nipsey's face and logo on the ground whenever Jackson hops in his ride. It's pretty amazing!

The rims are also blue ... as well as the RR hood ornament, which also has a "One of One" logo for DeSean, with all the work done by Champion Motoring.

Nipsey was shot and killed outside his Marathon Clothing store in South L.A. back in March 2019 ... and DeSean has actively worked to keep his legacy alive ever since.

Jackson -- who also has a Nipsey diamond chain -- spoke out about the loss at the time, saying "Can’t b life !! How they even allow this to happen ?? Bro I remember us being young homies before all the fame and money two young south central kids connecting and making something out of our life’s and giving bac for our ppl & hood !!"

Ex-Mississippi St. star WR De'Runnya Wilson -- Dak Prescott's top target with the Bulldogs -- was found dead Tuesday ... and cops believe he might have been murdered.

Birmingham Police say 25-year-old Wilson was discovered unresponsive by a relative inside an Alabama home this week ... and once cops arrived, they say they discovered signs of foul play.

"Currently we are in the homicide investigation mode," a Birmingham PD spokesperson said. "And, there are limited details on this investigation."

A cause of death for Wilson has not yet been revealed.

Wilson was a stud at Mississippi State from 2013 to 2015 -- the same years Prescott earned Heisman Trophy candidate recognition -- scoring 22 TDs and piling up 1,936 receiving yards on 132 catches.

He left the Bulldogs early to enter the 2016 NFL Draft ... and after he wasn't picked, he later caught on with the Arena Football League.

Mississippi State said in a statement Tuesday, "Tonight, we mourn the loss of former Bulldog De’Runnya Wilson."

Terry Jones -- beloved comedy icon and founding member of the "Monty Python" comedy troupe -- has died after battling dementia.

Jones died Tuesday with his wife, Anna Soderstrom, by his side, according to his family. He'd been diagnosed in recent years with primary progressive aphasia -- a rare form of dementia that left him unable to speak.

Terry's family says, "Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London."

"We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."

Jones is known for playing a variety of roles for "Monty Python," including female characters often with hilarious falsetto voices. Terry's the one who screamed the iconic line in 1979's 'Life of Brian' ... "He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy," while playing the mother of the title character.

The line was twice voted the funniest in film history in the UK.

Along with starring in Monty Python -- though rarely receiving the same acclaim as the other members -- he also directed the famous movies "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" with Terry Gilliam and 'The Meaning of Life' and 'Life of Brian' on his own.

He was regarded in the comedy group as its passionate heart ... who drove the early innovation on its BBC show that led to stardom -- "Monty Python's Flying Circus."

The parents of Botham Jean -- the Dallas man murdered by an off-duty police officer -- are opening up about his life to save others, and to drive home a point ... that police shouldn't assume "our black boys" are threats.

Botham's mother, father and sister spoke out for this PSA -- produced by Roc Nation and the NFL -- explaining why the world "lost a great man" the night Amber Guyger walked into his apartment and shot him.

In the video, Bertram and Allison Jean say their son was "destined for greatness," and was everything to them -- but his father adds, "Life is not sweet anymore."

Their heartwrenching story is the latest project from the "Responsibility Program" -- launched by Jay-Z's Roc Nation. It's produced multiple PSAs, highlighting victims of police brutality -- but this is the first one sponsored by the NFL.

As for why Botham's folks are speaking out for the PSA -- his mom says, "What I hope to see happening is that our black boys are not seen as a threat." His sister, Allisa Findley, adds, "The color of my skin can be perceived as a weapon, and it's not."

You'll recall the tearful courtroom scene last October when Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Botham's brother shockingly said he forgave Guyger, before hugging her.

Botham's parents reference that extraordinary moment, saying there is no need for hatred.

Similarly, Michelle Kenney -- whose son, Antwon Rose Jr., was shot by a Pittsburgh police officer -- told TMZ ... she hoped the PSAs would "open eyes and bring them into our world," so America can have "more compassion" when these tragedies happen.

And, Angella and Danroy Henry told us their PSA effectively showed the world who their son, DJ Henry, REALLY was ... beyond the news headlines about the Pace University student-athlete killed in 2010 by a police officer.

We're told the NFL will run a social justice themed PSA -- about ex-WR star Anquan Boldin's murdered cousin -- during halftime of the Super Bowl.

That spot is part of the league's non-profit initiative, Inspire Change.

Magic Johnson choked back tears as he addressed the NBA legends at David Stern's memorial service in NYC on Tuesday ... telling the crowd, "I'm going to miss my angel."

Everyone who's anyone attended the event at Radio City Music Hall ... from Michael Jordan to Bill Russell to Yao Ming and Dirk Nowitzki.

Several NY Knicks players and staffers were there -- same with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and NFL commish Roger Goodell.

"We all know he is the greatest commissioner to ever live," Magic told the crowd ... "But, he’s a man that stood for what is right."

As we previously reported, Stern passed away on Jan. 1 after suffering a brain hemorrhage in December at a New York steakhouse.

The day after Stern's death, Magic posted a tribute -- calling him a "history maker."

"When I announced in 1991 I had HIV, people thought they could get the virus from shaking my hand. When David allowed me to play in the 1992 All Star Game in Orlando and then play for the Olympic Dream Team, we were able to change the world."

Stern -- who served as commissioner from 1984 to 2014 -- has been praised as one of the greatest commissioners in American history. He's been credited with growing the NBA into a multi-billion dollar international powerhouse.

Originally Published -- 9:32 AM PT

2 people were killed and 15 wounded in a shooting Sunday night during a Chiefs-themed party at a Kansas City bar owned by a former NFL player.

Hundreds of people were at 9ine Ultra Lounge -- owned by former Chiefs 5th-round draft pick Alphonso Hodge -- when a 29-year-old gunman opened fire ... killing a 25-year-old woman.

15 others were injured before a security guard shot and killed the alleged shooter, Jahron Swift ... police said at a news conference on Monday.

“Last night was a night a lot of people were dreaming of for 50 years,” Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas said.

“While we won't necessarily say that folks aren't still happy, but this a very disappointing for us.”

We're told no Chiefs players were present at the bar at the time of the shooting.

Kansas City police chief Richard Smith said Hodge was at the club at the time of the shooting and is cooperating with law enforcement.

Hodge spent parts of two seasons with the Chiefs, although he did not appear in any regular-season games.

He also spent time with the New York Jets.

Hodge's club issued a statement on the shooting, saying ... "The 9ine ultra lounge family and organization is deeply saddened by the unsavory tragic act of one individual last night."

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the injured, the deceased and their loved ones. This shameless and senseless act of violence claimed the life of one of our patrons and injured many others and quite frankly, we have little in the way of answers."

As for the shooter, police said they found multiple firearms in his possession.

Diddy and Faith Evans played central roles in Notorious B.I.G.'s life and in the immediate success that followed ... so it's only fitting they'll be front and center when Biggie gets inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Sources close to Diddy tell TMZ ... the music mogul and his family will attend the ceremony -- broadcast live on HBO -- on May 2 in Cleveland. We're told Diddy may have something up his sleeve to honor Biggie ... though it's unclear if he'll perform or pay tribute onstage.

Faith tells TMZ ... she's ecstatic about her late-husband being honored as a first-ballot inductee. And, like Diddy, Faith tells us her plan is to attend the ceremony. She's also hopeful she'll be part of the night's festivities honoring Biggie.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson says he's in pieces over his dad's death ... writing in an emotional goodbye letter to his father, "I wish I had one more shot to tell you, I love you."

Rocky "Soulman" Johnson died suddenly at 75 years old on Wednesday ... and in Dwayne's first public words since the tragic news, The Rock said he's broken up over it all.

"You were ripped away from me so fast without warning," he said. "Gone in an instant and no coming back. I'm in pain."

But, Dwayne said he's taking steps to try to move on ... and praised his dad for being a pioneer and trailblazer in the wrestling world.

"You lived a very full, very hard, barrier breaking life and left it all in the ring," Dwayne said. "I love you dad and I’ll always be your proud and grateful son."

Rocky started out in the National Wrestling Alliance in the 1960s but gained fame after he joined the WWE in the 80s. He and Tony Atlas became the org's first African-American tag team champions as The Soul Patrol.

Rocky retired from wrestling in 1991 ... and, afterward, had a huge hand in helping mold Dwayne into one of the most popular wrestlers EVER.

"I'll carry your mana and work ethic with me as it’s time to move on because I have my family to feed and work to accomplish," Dwayne said. "Finally, I want you to rest your trailblazing soul, Soulman."

Mac Miller fans are showing up in droves to honor the late rapper at pop-up exhibitions opening around the country.

Fans were treated to the invite-only installation in L.A. Thursday to celebrate Mac's music and legacy. These exhibitions -- produced by Mirrored Media -- are launched in partnership with Amazon Music, and in conjunction with Mac's posthumous, "Circles," album release. Fans perused the art pieces and tons of mech ... while also enjoying listening sessions.

Thursday's event was a soft opening, but a 2-day event is slated for Friday and Saturday in NYC and also in Mac's hometown of Pittsburgh. The exhibition is free to the public from noon to 9 PM, and all net proceeds from merch sales will benefit the Mac Miller Fund ... which supports young musicians.

Walmart's learning a valuable lesson about making Paul Walker jokes on Twitter, even if said joke is ripped from a funny TV show.

Here's what went down -- a Twitter user shared a story about Walmart selling Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with strawberry and cream-flavored icing ... and added a funny gif of a car wildly racing through traffic with the caption, "*me racin to the nearest Wally World*."

Innocent enough ... however, the person behind Walmart's Twitter account Thursday decided to take things up a notch and responded to the gif by saying, "Hey, Paul Walker. Click it, or ticket."

Rocky Johnson, a WWE pioneer and father of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has died according to the WWE.

Johnson, who was living in the Tampa Bay area, passed away Wednesday. Rocky "Soulman" Johnson -- started out in the National Wrestling Alliance in the 1960s, but got widespread notoriety when he joined the WWE in the 80s. He and Tony Atlas became the league's first African-American tag team champions as The Soul Patrol.

Some of his biggest rivals were Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Don Muraco and Adrian Adonis. Rocky retired back in 1991 and he was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

Obviously, his son followed in his footsteps. It is widely known that Dwayne adopted his dad's name for his own wrestling moniker ... and certainly carried on the torch lit by his pop.

They remained close -- The Rock even gifted his father a brand new car and a house for Christmas. Last year he published his autobiography -- "Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story" -- and his son wrote the foreword.

Rocky was 75. RIP

Stan Kirsch -- better known as Richie Ryan on the original "Highlander" TV series -- was found dead in his L.A. home.

Law enforcement sources confirm Stan's wife, Kristyn Green, found the actor hanging Saturday afternoon in their bathroom. Paramedics responded, but we're told he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Stan had tons of acting credits, appearing on shows like "JAG," "General Hospital" and "Friends" ... in addition to his 6 seasons on "Highlander" in the mid-90s. However, he was also a renowned acting coach in Los Angeles.

A tribute to Stan on the show's official Facebook page said, "Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons."

Tragic news in the Washington Nationals organization ... one of their up-and-coming pitching prospects died Sunday reportedly after a motorcycle crash in the Dominican Republic.

Fausto Segura -- a 6-foot-3 right hander who signed with the Nats back in 2017 -- was allegedly driving his motorcycle when he was struck by a van, ESPN Deportes said.

Segura was reportedly visiting his hometown of Barahona at the time of the accident. He was 23 years old.

"The Washington Nationals are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Fausto Segura," the team said in a statement Monday. "He was beloved by his teammates, coaches, coordinators and everyone he came in contact with throughout our organization."

Segura pitched in the Nationals' farm system the past three seasons ... and showed some upside, according to assistant general manager of international operations Johnny DiPuglia.

"He was starting to take off," DiPuglia said of Segura. "We were excited about him. But the thing we were most excited about him was how his maturation had improved."

"So that’s the sad thing. The kid was starting to figure some things out, and then this happens."

The woman who died after being taken to the hospital by NFL player Montae Nicholson passed away due to an accidental fentanyl overdose ... TMZ Sports has learned.

We broke the story, back on Nov. 14, Nicholson and a friend found 21-year-old Julia Crabbe "foaming at the mouth" in Nicholson's Ashburn, Virginia home after a night out.

According to police documents, Nicholson and the friend took Crabbe to a nearby hospital ... where she was later pronounced dead.

Now, TMZ Sports has learned Crabbe's death has been ruled an accident ... a spokesperson for the county medical examiner tells us Crabbe died of "fentanyl intoxication."

FYI, the CDC characterizes fentanyl as an opioid pain reliever that is "50 to 100 times more potent than morphine."