Trial of Duane Davis Begins Over 1996 Tupac Shakur Murder
Opening statements start Monday in Las Vegas as Duane “Keffe D” Davis faces trial for allegedly orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing.
In Las Vegas, the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis commenced with opening statements on Monday, reviving the nearly three-decade-old case of rapper Tupac Shakur’s fatal shooting. Davis, now 63, is accused of directing the drive-by attack and faces a charge of murder with a deadly weapon intended to aid a criminal gang; he maintains his innocence and faces a possible life sentence. Prosecutors aim to present 35 to 45 witnesses to establish Davis’s role as the alleged mastermind, while the defense will rely on a small group of testimonies.
Relatives of Shakur, including stepbrother Maurice “Mopreme” Shakur, traveled to the courtroom, acknowledging the emotional strain but pledging support. The trial also draws attention from friends and collaborators such as producer Darryl Harper, who hopes the verdict will finally bring accountability for the iconic artist’s death.
Why it matters
The case could finally resolve a high-profile murder that has haunted hip-hop culture for 30 years.
How this story developed
- Aug 9 Jailphone from alleged Tupac killer emerges just before Las Vegas murder trial
- Aug 10 A seven‑minute jailhouse phone call by Davis has been submitted as evidence.
- Aug 12 Judge Carli Kierny allowed statements from Davis’s memoir to be admitted as evidence.
- Aug 16 A jury was selected and opening arguments are set for Monday.
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