Chicago rapper Lil Durk acquitted in Los Angeles murder-for-hire plot

Chicago rapper Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, has been acquitted in a federal murder-for-hire case against him in Los Angeles. The case involved allegations that Durk conspired with others to hire someone to kill Atlanta rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2022 murder of Chicago rapper King Von. Durk was charged with multiple felony counts, including murder, stalking, and conspiracy, while five other individuals associated with his rap collective, Only the Family or OTF, were also accused.

The jury ultimately found Durk not guilty of all charges, including the murder-for-hire plot. Two co-defendants, Deandre OTF Dede Wilson and David Browneyez Lindsey, were convicted of stalking but acquitted of murder for hire. Prosecutors alleged that Durk offered a bounty to any individual willing to kill Rondo following the Beverly Center shooting that resulted in the death of Rondo's cousin, Saviay a Robinson.

Durk had previously been nominated for multiple Grammys, including Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2024 for his single "All My Life" featuring J. Cole. He remains in custody for a subsequent federal racketeering trial scheduled for October 5, where he faces racketeering murder and firearms charges. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli expressed disappointment in the jury's decision regarding Durk regarding the murder-for-hire charges but stated that the prosecution will present its evidence at his second trial.