Acquittal in Murder-for-Hire Trial

A federal jury in Los Angeles on Friday acquitted Grammy-winning Chicago rapper Lil Durk on all charges in a murder-for-hire case, according to multiple reports. Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, faced charges including conspiracy, stalking resulting in death, and murder for hire. The jury deliberated for three days before returning the not-guilty verdicts.

The trial centered on an August 2022 shooting near the Beverly Center shopping mall in Los Angeles. Prosecutors alleged that Durk paid a group of men to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles to kill Atlanta rapper Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Durk's friend, rapper King Von. The gunmen fired at least 18 rounds at Rondo's vehicle, but Rondo survived; his 24-year-old cousin, Saviay'a Robinson, was killed.

Co-Defendants Convicted on Stalking Charges

Durk's co-defendants in the trial, Deandre Wilson and David Lindsey, were convicted of conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking using a dangerous weapon, and stalking resulting in death, as reported by several outlets. However, both were acquitted of murder-for-hire charges. Wilson's attorney, Craig Harbaugh, said in an email: "We thank the jury for seeing there was no murder for hire. We are confident the remaining counts will not survive our pending motion for acquittal."

Prosecution and Defense Arguments

During the two-week trial, prosecutors argued that Durk orchestrated the attack. Assistant US Attorney Ian Yanniello said in closing arguments, as quoted by multiple reports: "No one is saying he was the one on the ground with a gun in his hand in Los Angeles, but you know this story doesn't happen without him, and it doesn't make sense without his leadership."

Defense attorneys Brian Steel and Drew Findling argued that Durk was not involved in planning or funding the attempted murder. They pointed to Durk's former assistant, Kavon Grant, who they said had been fired months before the shooting and was the actual mastermind. Findling argued: "[Grant] has manipulated every single person. Would you fire someone you assigned to lead a killing? That is preposterous."

Steel also accused federal agents of having "targeted Durk," according to the Chicago Tribune.

Courtroom Scene and Supporters

The trial drew significant public attention, with supporters including music stars Machine Gun Kelly and Ye — the artist formerly known as Kanye West — appearing in the audience. Ye posted on X: "Lil Durk is not guilty on ALL COUNTS." A throng of fans gathered outside the courthouse, and the verdict was met with celebration among supporters, some wearing "Free Durk" shirts.

Remaining Legal Proceedings

Despite the acquittal, Durk remains in custody. He faces a separate trial on a racketeering charge that was severed from this case, scheduled for October 5, according to a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office in Los Angeles. First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement: "While we are disappointed with the jury's decision regarding Durk Banks, a.k.a. 'Lil Durk,' we look forward to presenting our evidence at his second trial."

The shooting that formed the basis of the case occurred in August 2022 at a gas station near the Beverly Center. Prosecutors alleged that the plot was revenge for the killing of King Von, who was fatally shot outside an Atlanta nightclub in 2020. Keith "Flacka" Jones, who pleaded guilty to Robinson's murder, testified against Durk and his co-defendants at trial, as did Durk's former assistant Kavon Grant, according to CBS News.