Jury to hear closing arguments in Tupac killing trial
Prosecutors say Davis relied on his own admissions and memoir to back the case, while the defense argues they are uncorroborated bravado.
- 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.
94 Articles
94 Articles
Jury hears closing arguments in Tupac Shakur murder trial
Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, a one-time leader of the South Side Compton Crips, is accused of ordering the September 7, 1986 killing after his nephew had been beaten by members of Shakur's entourage in Las Vegas. "Duane Davis, in the culture of gangs, could not let that stand," prosecutor Binu Palal said. "So what did he do? He acquired a firearm, got his group together, and went hunting for Mr Shakur." Palal was the first to address his closing a…
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The Latest: Jury will hear closing arguments in Tupac Shakur murder trial
Jurors will hear closing arguments in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is accused of orchestrating the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. They come after nine days of testimony from detectives, former gang associates and documentarians. The trial…
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