Jury convicts a man of first-degree murder for the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur

A jury in Las Vegas has delivered a first-degree murder conviction against Duane "Keffe D" Davis for his role in the 1996 killing of legendary rap artist Tupac Shakur. The verdict, reached on August 31, 2026, marks a significant turning point in the decades-long unsolved case that has captivated public attention for nearly 30 years. Davis, 63, faces a potential life sentence for orchestrating the drive-by shooting that resulted in Shakur's death six days after the incident.

Prosecutors argued that Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips gang, "went hunting" for Shakur and Marion "Suge" Knight following a casino brawl earlier that night where Davis's nephew, Orlando Anderson, was beaten. Although not accused of being the triggerman himself, Davis was convicted under Nevada law for his role in providing the weapon and ordering the attack from a white Cadillac. A crucial component of the prosecution's case included Davis's own statements and confessions made publicly, including in his 2019 memoir.

The jury deliberated for only a few hours before reaching its verdict. Davis is the only individual ever charged in connection with Shakur's murder, and he has expressed his intention to appeal the conviction. Sentencing for Davis is scheduled for October 13, 2026.