A jury of six men and ten women was selected Thursday in Las Vegas to hear the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, an ex-gang leader accused of orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting that killed hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur. According to the Associated Press, opening statements are expected to begin Monday for a trial slated to last about a month.
Jury Selection Focuses on Gang Ties and Music
During the selection process in Las Vegas, potential jurors faced specific questions regarding their views on street gangs and whether they had ever listened to Shakur’s music, according to the Associated Press. The court also asked panel candidates about their favorite books and movies to vet for potential biases in the high-profile case.
Shakur was just 25 years old when he was fatally shot near the Las Vegas Strip on Sept. 7, 1996, according to the Associated Press. He occupied the passenger seat of a BMW driven by Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight when a Cadillac pulled up alongside them at a red light and opened fire. Knight survived the shooting, but Shakur died from his wounds six days later.
The Charges Against Duane “Keffe D” Davis
Authorities charged Davis with murder three years ago, identifying him as the “shot caller” who coordinated the fatal attack, according to the Associated Press. While prosecutors have not accused the 63-year-old defendant of pulling the trigger, they maintain that he provided the weapon and made the crucial calls leading up to the killing. Under Nevada law, individuals can be convicted of murder if they assist someone else in committing the crime. Davis has pleaded not guilty and could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.
Davis stands as the sole surviving person who was inside the vehicle where prosecutors assert the gunfire originated, according to the Associated Press. His arrest and prosecution followed public statements he made during media and police interviews, alongside details published in his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend.
Legal Arguments Over Memoirs and Confessions
Defense attorneys tried unsuccessfully to block prosecutors from using statements from Davis’s book and a 2008 police interview, according to the Associated Press. Defense counsel argued that the book relied on a co-author and contained fictionalized elements, making true authorship impossible to verify. Lawyers also contended that a prior interview with a federal task force was supposed to be confidential.
Prosecutors expect to present between 35 and 45 witnesses during the month-long trial, according to the Associated Press. The witness list ranges from individuals who observed Shakur shortly before the shooting to former associates of both Shakur and Davis. Meanwhile, legal representatives confirmed that Sean “Diddy” Combs—whom Davis once alleged wanted Shakur and Knight dead—will not testify.
Did you know? Tupac Shakur remains one of the most influential rappers of all time, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide, with seven albums released posthumously, according to the Associated Press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is on trial for Tupac Shakur’s killing?
Former gang leader Duane “Keffe D” Davis is on trial, accused by prosecutors of orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting.
What role did Duane “Keffe D” Davis allegedly play?
According to prosecutors, Davis acted as the “shot caller” who provided the firearm and coordinated the attack, though he is not accused of pulling the trigger.
What evidence revived the cold case?
The investigation gained renewed momentum after Davis published his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend, and discussed the shooting in various police and media interviews.
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