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Closing arguments begin Monday, August 31, in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis over Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder.
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Prosecutors say Davis organized the shooting in retaliation for an earlier fight involving his nephew, Orlando Anderson.
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Davis’ defence argues that his past statements about the killing were exaggerated or fabricated for money and publicity.
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The jury will begin deliberations after the final arguments, with Davis facing life in prison if convicted.
August 31, (THEWILL) — Closing arguments are set to begin Monday, August 31, in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the only person ever charged in connection with the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur.
Davis, 63, faces one count of murder with a deadly weapon and a gang enhancement. He has pleaded not guilty and could face life in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors say Davis organized the drive-by shooting as revenge after Shakur and his entourage attacked his nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, at the MGM Grand earlier that night.
They do not accuse Davis of pulling the trigger but say he helped plan the attack and provided the gun used in the shooting.
Much of the prosecution’s case has focused on Davis’ own statements. In a recorded 2008 police interview played for the jury, Davis said he was in the white Cadillac during the shooting and identified Anderson as the person who fired the shots at Shakur’s car.
Anderson was never charged in the case and was killed in an unrelated shooting in 1998.
The trial has also brought renewed attention to Sean “Diddy” Combs. Davis previously told investigators that Combs had offered money to target Shakur and Suge Knight.
Combs has repeatedly denied the claim and has never been charged or named as a suspect in Shakur’s killing. The allegation has, however, led to renewed speculation about whether he could face charges.
The defence has disputed Davis’ statements, arguing that he exaggerated or made up his accounts for money, publicity and book sales.
His lawyer, Michael Sanft, has also pointed to the lack of physical evidence placing Davis at the scene.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose alleged involvement was mentioned in Davis’ past statements but who has never been charged in Tupac’s killing. Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty ImagesThe prosecution called 24 witnesses, while the defence called three former Las Vegas police officers. Davis did not testify. The evidence was presented over nine days.
The main question for the jury will be whether Davis’ repeated accounts of the shooting are credible or were stories he created for attention and financial gain.
The case remained unsolved for nearly three decades before Davis was charged.
The alleged shooter was never charged, while other key figures connected to the case have died or declined to cooperate.
Once closing arguments are completed, the 12-member jury will begin deliberations, while four alternate jurors will remain available as backups if any juror is unable to continue.
Their verdict will determine whether Davis is held responsible for one of the most high-profile killings in hip-hop history.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
