Entertainment
Federal murder-for-hire trial opens for rapper Lil Durk in Los Angeles
Prosecutors allege Lil Durk funded a 2022 hit on rival rapper Quando Rondo, while defense attorneys contend a cooperating witness framed him.
The short version
- Federal prosecutors allege rapper Lil Durk financed a 2022 Los Angeles ambush targeting rival Quando Rondo to avenge the 2020 death of King Von.
- Lil Durk's defense attorney denied his involvement, arguing that his rap lyrics are artistic expression and that a cooperating witness pointed to him to secure a plea deal.
- The defendants face up to life in prison if convicted in the trial, which is expected to last several weeks.
Key facts
- The federal murder-for-hire trial of rapper Lil Durk, born Durk Banks, began on August 24 in Los Angeles.[Billboard]
- Prosecutors allege Lil Durk funded flights for associates to track and kill Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von.[Billboard]
- Quando Rondo survived the August 2022 Los Angeles gas station shooting, but an associate known as Lul Pab was killed.[Billboard]
- Three cooperating witnesses who pleaded guilty are expected to testify against Lil Durk, including alleged shooters Kacey Jones and Keith Jones, and associate Kavon Grant.[Billboard]
- Defense attorney Marissa Goldberg argued that Kavon Grant planned the plot independently and blamed Lil Durk to lower his own sentence.[Billboard]
- Co-defendants David Lindsey and Deandre Wilson are being tried alongside Lil Durk and deny the charges, while co-defendant Asa Houston will be tried separately.[Billboard]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Lil Durk's rap lyrics and music videos reflect criminal intent or artistic expression remains disputed between prosecutors and defense attorneys.[Billboard]
- Defense counsel argues there is no direct evidence showing Lil Durk authorized financial payments for the shooting, while prosecutors claim his credit card usage links him to the travel arrangements.[Billboard]