Tupac Shakur murder trial begins for ex-gang leader accused of ordering the killing

The trial for the 1996 murder of rap superstar Tupac Shakur commenced Monday in Las Vegas, with Duane "Keffe D" Davis, a former gang leader, facing charges. Prosecutors have identified Davis as the "on-the-ground, on-site commander" of the operation that led to Shakur's death following a drive-by shooting. Davis has pleaded not guilty, though his own 2019 memoir, where he admitted involvement, is central to the prosecution's case. The trial, expected to last approximately one month, began with the selection of a jury comprising six men and 10 women. During the opening statements, chief deputy district attorney Binu Palal presented a photograph of the Mike Tyson fight on September 7, 1996, and video footage showing Shakur's entourage assaulting Davis's nephew, Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson. Palal stated, "Let's be clear, Duane Davis did not pull the trigger. But he did plan the shooting in retaliation of the beating of his nephew." Defense attorney Michael Sandt questioned the evidence, asking the jury, "At the end of the day you have to ask yourself: is what they are saying truth or fiction?" Shakur was attacked shortly after the fight as he headed to an afterparty. A Cadillac pulled alongside his vehicle and fired eight shots, leading to Shakur's death days later in the hospital. The killing has long been shrouded in conspiracy theories, but Davis's recent public statements have provided a fuller picture. He allegedly sought retribution for his nephew's assault and obtained a gun intending to confront Shakur and Death Row Records founder Marion "Suge" Knight.

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Let's be clear, Duane Davis did not pull the trigger. But he did plan the shooting in retaliation of the beating of his nephew. Remarkably, you will learn that from Duane Davis himself.