Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis Convicted in Tupac Shakur’s 1996 Killing

Nearly three decades after Tupac Shakur was shot in Las Vegas, a jury convicted Duane “Keffe D” Davis in the killing that has long held the attention of hip-hop fans and true-crime followers.

The 63-year-old Davis was found guilty of one count of murder with a deadly weapon after a weekslong trial. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours. He could be sentenced to life in prison.

Prosecutors said Davis acquired a gun and “went hunting” for Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight. The alleged attack followed a fight earlier that night involving Davis’ nephew and members of Shakur and Knight’s entourage. Shakur was stopped at a red light on Sept. 7, 1996, when a white Cadillac pulled alongside his vehicle and gunfire erupted. He died from his wounds six days later, while Knight survived.

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went hunting

Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal told jurors that Davis’ accounts changed over the years, but argued that one detail remained consistent: Davis repeatedly placed himself inside the white Cadillac from which the shots were fired. Palal said the prosecution did not need additional independent evidence if jurors believed Davis’ statements.

The panel heard testimony from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses over nine days. Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, cried and hugged prosecutors after the verdict. Davis’ son was also in court. Prosecutors said they would dismiss the gang-enhancement portion of the charge because of witness logistics. Under Nevada law, a person who helps another commit murder can be convicted of the crime. Davis is the only living person among the four men prosecutors say were in the Cadillac.

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The core facts remain. The material facts remain.