Jury to hear closing arguments in Tupac killing trial
Defense lawyers say prosecutors have no DNA, forensics or eyewitnesses and are relying mainly on Davis’s own words to prove the 1996 killing.
- Closing statements are scheduled for Monday in the trial of Duane Davis, who faces a single count of murder with a deadly weapon for the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur.
- Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the shooting as retaliation for a fight between his nephew, Orlando 'Baby Lane' Anderson, and Shakur's entourage at the MGM Grand; Davis has publicly admitted to his role for nearly two decades.
- Defense attorney Michael Sanft argues the state lacks physical evidence like DNA or forensics to corroborate Davis's statements, claiming admissions were merely 'puffing' intended to generate profit rather than reflect truth.
- Over nine days, 16 jurors heard testimony from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses; the outcome depends on whether they accept the defense's characterization of Davis as unreliable.
- Prosecuting a 30-year-old cold case relying almost entirely on a defendant's confession presents a significant legal hurdle, especially since the lone survivor, Marion 'Suge' Knight, is not testifying.
10 Articles
10 Articles
It's a Big Day in the Tupac Trial
Closing statements are scheduled Monday in one of hip-hop's most anticipated trials for the man accused of orchestrating the death of Tupac Shakur, per the AP . Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, faces a single count of murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further, or assist a...
Jury to hear closing arguments in Tupac killing trial
Closing arguments are set for Monday in the trial of an ex-gang leader accused of masterminding the drive-by killing of hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas, a cold case that became emblematic of violence permeating 1990s rap culture.
The high-risk strategy in Tupac Shakur case: Defense says client is full of BS
Legal experts call it a novel tactic, but perhaps the best shot at getting jurors to ignore statements in police interviews and a documentary they heard in Duane Davis' own words.
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