Nairobi, September 1 – Duane “Keffe D” Davis has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, ending a case that has remained unresolved for nearly three decades.
The verdict was delivered Monday after jurors deliberated for about three hours, following two weeks of testimony and closing arguments from both sides.
Shakur’s family became emotional after the verdict. His sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, was seen crying as relatives held hands, while his stepbrother, Mopreme Shakur, raised his fist and family members embraced outside court.
Prosecutors argued that Davis played a key role in the killing after his nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, was involved in a fight with Shakur and his entourage at the MGM Grand following a Mike Tyson boxing match.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal described Davis as a “shot caller” for the Southside Compton Crips and argued that he and Anderson went looking for Shakur afterward. Prosecutors also highlighted inconsistencies in four statements Davis made over the years about the shooting.
Defense attorney Michael Sanft disputed the prosecution’s case, arguing that Davis’ statements were unreliable and that crucial evidence linking him to the crime was missing. He also noted that prosecutors had not presented documentation proving Davis was in Las Vegas when Shakur was killed.
Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13 and faces life in prison without parole. Prosecutors chose not to pursue a gang enhancement, citing “witness logistics.”
