Grammy‑winning Chicago rapper Lil Durk, whose legal name is Durk Devontay Banks, was found not guilty on five felony counts – including murder‑for‑hire and conspiracy – after a three‑day jury deliberation at a federal court in Los Angeles.
The prosecution had tied the case to an August 2022 ambush at a Los Angeles petrol station in which the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo, Saviay'a Robinson, was shot dead, alleging that Durk had offered a bounty to have the target killed as retaliation for the 2020 death of Chicago OTF rapper King Von.
Defence solicitor Drew Findling said his client was grateful for the verdict, and supporters gathered outside the courthouse to celebrate the outcome.
Despite the acquittal, Durk remains in custody and is due to face a second trial on 5 October, where he will be charged with racketeering, murder and firearms offences.
Co‑defendants Deandre "OTF Dede" Wilson and David "Browneyez" Lindsey were convicted of stalking‑related offences but also cleared of the murder‑for‑hire charge, as reported by CBS News and referenced by the BBC.
The artist, who won the 2024 Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for the single "All My Life" with J Cole, has enjoyed commercial success with seven albums reaching the US Billboard top five since 2019
Category: Entertainment
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