Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, the long-running murder case has finally reached trial. The first person ever charged in connection with the rapper’s 1996 death is now facing a jury in Nevada. Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 63, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder with a deadly weapon, with prosecutors alleging that he orchestrated the shooting as an act of retaliation.
But Davis is not accused of pulling the trigger. Prosecutors allege that he helped organise the attack and obtained the weapon used in the shooting. Under Nevada law, a person can be prosecuted for murder if they aid, encourage or otherwise participate in the crime.
So, who is on trial for Tupac Shakur’s death, why did the case take nearly three decades to reach court and what happened as the trial began? Here we find out all the answers.
Who Is On Trial For Tupac Shakur’s Death?
Davis is a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips and has long been linked to the events surrounding Tupac’s killing. Authorities allege that Davis was the “shot caller” behind a plan to retaliate against Tupac and his associates after an altercation involving his nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, at the MGM Grand earlier on the night of September 7, 1996.
When Was Tupac Shakur Shot?
Tupac Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The rapper had attended the Mike Tyson vs Bruce Seldon boxing match at the MGM Grand with Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight.
After the fight, Tupac and Knight were travelling in a BMW when a white Cadillac pulled alongside their vehicle and opened fire. Tupac was 25 at the time. He was taken to University Medical Center in Las Vegas following the shooting, where he remained in critical condition for six days. He died on September 13, 1996, from injuries sustained in the attack.
How Many Times Was Tupac Shakur Shot?
Tupac was shot four times during the drive-by attack, according to accounts of the shooting. He was struck in the chest, arm and thigh, with one of the bullets entering his lung. Suge Knight, who was driving the BMW, also suffered a gunshot-related injury but survived.
The shooting happened as the two men were travelling through Las Vegas after leaving the MGM Grand.
Why Is Davis Accused Of Orchestrating Tupac’s Murder?
The prosecution’s case centres on the events that unfolded after the MGM Grand confrontation. According to prosecutors, the earlier fight involving Anderson provided a motive for retaliation. Davis was allegedly with Anderson and two other men in the white Cadillac when they later encountered Tupac and Knight in Las Vegas. The other three men connected to the vehicle have since died. Davis has previously described his involvement in his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend.
What Happened In Court As The Tupac Murder Trial Began?
Opening statements began Monday in a Las Vegas courtroom, officially launching a trial that is expected to last several weeks. Prosecutors told jurors that Davis orchestrated the shooting as retaliation for the earlier casino altercation. Their case is expected to rely heavily on Davis’ own words, including statements from interviews and his memoir.
The prosecution is expected to call dozens of witnesses as it lays out its version of what happened on the night Tupac was killed. Reports indicate that prosecutors could call roughly 35 to 45 witnesses during the trial.
What Is The Defense Saying?
Davis’ lawyers have challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of his memoir and past statements. The defense has argued that Compton Street Legend should not be treated as a factual confession, contending that the book contained exaggerations and material added for entertainment or commercial purposes. The defense has also disputed the strength of the evidence connecting Davis directly to the killing. Davis has pleaded not guilty.
Who Was Actually In The Car When Tupac Was Shot?
The white Cadillac allegedly involved in the shooting had four men inside. Davis has acknowledged being in the vehicle. His nephew Anderson and two other men, DeAndre “Dre” Smith and Terrence “T-Brown” Brown, were also identified as being in the car. All three have since died.
Will Suge Knight Testify In The Tupac Murder Trial?
Suge Knight is among the figures whose potential involvement as a witness has attracted attention. Knight was in the car with Tupac when the shooting occurred and survived after being grazed by a bullet. He is currently serving a separate prison sentence in California.
He has indicated that he does not intend to testify, although his name remains connected to the potential witness list.
Why Did The Tupac Murder Case Take Nearly 30 Years?
Tupac’s murder remained unsolved for decades, despite continuing public interest and repeated investigations. The case received renewed attention after Davis began publicly discussing his connection to the shooting. His memoir and interviews eventually became important pieces of the investigation.
Davis was arrested in September 2023, nearly 27 years after Tupac’s death. Authorities had previously described him as one of the last surviving suspects linked to the shooting.
The jury consists of 16 people — six men and 10 women, including four alternates. The proceedings are expected to continue for several weeks.
