Ex-Crips leader found guilty in 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur

Former Crips gang leader Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been found guilty of orchestrating the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 63-year-old Davis, clad in a black suit, remained impassive as the jury's verdict was read. Shakur's relatives, visibly emotional, held hands and cried as the verdict was announced. Shakur, 25 at the time of his death, was one of rap's most influential voices, having sold over 75 million records worldwide.

Prosecutors argued that while Davis did not personally fire the gun that killed Shakur, he ordered the shooting and supplied the gun used by his nephew, Orlando Anderson. They claimed that the shooting was a retaliation for a fight between Shakur and his crew with Anderson and his associates just hours prior. The case, which had remained one of America's most famous cold cases for nearly three decades, was eventually solved using Davis's own words and statements.

Davis had publicly acknowledged his role in Shakur's death during a 2008 police interview and repeated his claims in subsequent interviews, books, and podcasts. However, these statements were later admitted as evidence against him due to a protective agreement he had previously established with authorities being voided. Defense attorney Michael Sanft attempted to discredit Davis as a liar who fabricated stories to sell books and make money, but the jury found him guilty after hours of deliberation.

Davis's sentencing is set for October 13, 2023, while he awaits sentencing, he interrupted court proceedings by asking for his belongings, including his phone. The judge informed him that he could appeal the verdict after sentencing.