Duane Keffe D Davis Guilty Verdict Delivered in 1996 Tupac Shakur Murder Case

Duane 'Keffe D' Davis was found guilty of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur.. Source: AP News

A Nevada jury has delivered a historic Duane Keffe D Davis guilty verdict for first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon in the September 1996 drive-by shooting death of rap icon Tupac Shakur. 

The 63-year-old former gang leader now faces up to life in prison after becoming the first person ever convicted in the nearly 30-year-old cold case. 

Jurors reached their decision after roughly three hours of deliberations following closing arguments in the widely watched Las Vegas trial. 

The courtroom filled with emotion as the decision was announced; Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, wept openly, while Davis’ son covered his face with his hand.

The Duane Keffe D Davis guilty verdict brings long-awaited judicial accountability for an attack that occurred on the Las Vegas Strip nearly three decades ago. 

Duane Keffe D Davis Guilty Verdict Delivered in 1996 Tupac Shakur Murder Case

On September 7, 1996, a gunman inside a white Cadillac opened fire on a BMW carrying 25-year-old Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Marion "Suge" Knight. Knight survived minor injuries, but Shakur passed away six days later. 

During closing arguments, Prosecutor Binu Palal told the jury that Davis obtained a firearm and actively hunted down Shakur and Knight in retaliation for a casino fight involving Davis’ nephew earlier that evening. 

Prosecutors emphasized that Davis consistently placed himself inside the vehicle involved in the shooting, whereas defense attorney Michael Sanft countered that no independent evidence beyond Davis’ own previous public statements proved he was in Las Vegas that night.

Following the Duane Keffe D Davis guilty verdict, the 16-member panel concluded nine days of proceedings that featured testimony from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses. Nevada District Court authorities ordered Davis held without bail while he awaits his formal sentencing hearing, which has been scheduled for October 13.