Conviction in Las Vegas
A jury has found Duane 'Keffe D' Davis guilty of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rap star Tupac Shakur, marking the first conviction in the high-profile case that has gripped hip-hop fans for 30 years.
Davis, 63, was convicted on Monday following a weeks-long trial in Las Vegas. After deliberating for three hours, jurors found him guilty of a single count of murder with a deadly weapon. He could be sentenced to life in prison.
Trial details and evidence
The prosecution argued that Davis, a powerful gang leader, acquired a gun and 'went hunting' for Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Marion 'Suge' Knight after the men had beaten up Davis's nephew earlier that night. Chief deputy district attorney Binu Palal told jurors in closing arguments: "He is responsible for the murder of Tupac Shakur. Tell him you hear him. Find him guilty."
Prosecutors said that while his story had changed over the years, Davis repeatedly placed himself inside a white Cadillac from which the shots were fired. They contended that although he did not pull the trigger, evidence showed he had called for the gunfire, as the younger men in the car, including his nephew, were likely to follow his orders.
Defence lawyer Michael Sanft asked jurors whether there was any evidence that Davis had ever called the shots before or after the shooting. Sanft argued that Davis's public statements and book were 'dramatised bravado' to make money.
The panel of 16 jurors, four of whom were alternates, heard testimony from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defence witnesses over nine days. The prosecution said the state would dismiss a gang enhancement charge due to witness logistics.
Background and reaction
Shakur was in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, when he was shot; he died six days later. Knight was also wounded but survived. Davis was the only surviving person among the four men in the Cadillac.
Witnesses described a rivalry between the Mob Piru and Davis's Southside Crips gangs. Prosecutors pointed to Davis's scrapbook as evidence of his involvement.
After the verdict was read, Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa 'Set' Shakur, cried and hugged the prosecutors. Davis's son covered his face with one hand.