Former gang leader Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis found guilty of murder in Tupac Shakur’s death

Add to Google Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis found guilty in murder of Tupac 05:43 Get more news on Share Add to Google Aug. 31, 2026, 8:23 PM EDT / Updated Aug. 31, 2026, 8:32 PM EDT By Alicia Victoria Lozano The man accused of orchestrating rapper Tupac Shakur’s killing in 1996 has been found guilty of first-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon in the Las Vegas slaying nearly 30 years ago.

For two weeks, Clark County prosecutors argued that Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 63, was a former “shotcaller” for the South Side Compton Crips in Los Angeles and that he sought revenge on Shakur after the beloved rapper attacked his nephew.

Following Monday’s verdict, district Judge Carli Kierny ordered Davis to remain in jail until his Oct. 13 sentencing. Davis indicated that he intends to file an appeal.

Under Nevada law, someone who helps another person commit murder can be convicted of the crime. Davis is the only person still alive who rode in the same car as the shooter, prosecutors said.

The trial answered, in part, a decadeslong mystery that for years has entranced hip-hop fans, true crime experts and conspiracy theorists alike. Shakur, who was 25 when he died, was revered as one of the most influential rappers of all time and continues to bring in new generations of listeners .

Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal said in his closing statement that Davis “went hunting” for Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight after they were spotted at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas beating up Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, also known as the “prince” of Compton because of his relationship to Davis.

Jurors watched grainy VHS security video and heard multiple former law enforcement officers testify about the now infamous fight that broke out a few hours before Shakur and Knight were wounded in a drive-by shooting.

In 2008, Davis entered into an agreement with federal investigators who were looking into the death of Marion Wallace, the rapper known as Notorious B.I.G.

Davis believed that the deal, called a proffer, gave him immunity but he was not shielded from future prosecution if he confessed to being involved in Shakur’s murder.

Because of the proffer, Davis described details of Shakur’s killing that only a witness could provide, Bilal said. This included the positions of who was seated inside the car used in the drove-by shooting, and previous gang fights that culminated in the rapper’s death.

Davis’ 2019 memoir, “Compton Street Legend,” was the final piece of evidence needed to convict Davis, Bilal said. In the book, Davis writes he played a role in Shakur’s murder and its publication prompted a renewed investigation into the 1996 killing.

“For nearly 18 years, Duane Davis has told the police, television, books, YouTube interviewers, anybody that will listen,” he said in his closing statement. “He has told he is responsible for the murder of Tupac Shakur. Tell him you hear him.