Duane “Keffe D” Davis has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, bringing a nearly three-decade-old case closer to a conclusion.
Davis was convicted Monday in Las Vegas after prosecutors argued that circumstantial evidence, along with statements attributed to Davis, linked him to the 1996 killing.
Shakur was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting near the Las Vegas Strip on September 7, 1996. Davis is the only person ever charged in connection with the murder.
During closing arguments, prosecutors portrayed Davis as a “shot caller” within the South Side Compton Crips and argued that his account of the shooting in his memoir amounted to an admission. The defense, however, disputed the account, describing the memoir as fiction and highlighting missing investigative records and what it said was a lack of direct evidence.
The verdict marks a significant development in one of hip-hop’s most enduring unsolved murder cases. Shakur’s family has maintained a presence throughout the trial, with his sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, appearing emotional as the verdict was read.
Davis could face life in prison without the possibility of parole following his first-degree murder conviction. Judge Carli Kierny has scheduled his sentencing for October 13.
Prosecutors have also decided not to pursue a potential gang enhancement against Davis, citing logistical difficulties involving a former officer who was expected to testify.
The conviction comes just weeks before the anniversary of Shakur’s death. His family will observe the anniversary on September 13, 30 years after the rapper died from injuries sustained in the Las Vegas shooting.
For fans around the world, the verdict represents a major moment in the long-running search for accountability in the death of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.