The trial of a man accused of orchestrating the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur has begun with jury selection in Las Vegas. This marks nearly 30 years since Shakur was gunned down near the Las Vegas Strip. Attorneys started evaluating potential jurors earlier this week, focusing on one of hip hop’s defining moments and its most enduring mystery. Seven potential jurors have been asked to return later in the week as the selection process continues. The trial is expected to last a month with 16 jurors ultimately chosen.
Duane “Keffe D” Davis, aged 63, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder with a deadly weapon intended to promote, advance, or assist a criminal gang in Shakur’s death. At the time, Davis was a leader of the South Side Compton Crips in California. Shakur’s family members attended the jury selection process, which might extend throughout much of the week.
Kendrick Lesane, Shakur’s cousin, stated, “Anyone involved in this in any way should be imprisoned.” Shakur is regarded as one of the most influential and versatile rappers of all time. When he died at age 25, his fourth solo album had sold 5 million copies. On September 7, 1996, he was in a BMW with music executive Marion “Suge” Knight when a white Cadillac pulled alongside at a red light. Shakur, seated in the passenger seat, was shot multiple times and died six days later. Knight survived the incident.
The case remained inactive until recent years when public statements and Davis’s revealing memoir in 2019 reignited interest. Davis was arrested in 2023. However, the trial is unlikely to identify Shakur’s actual killer. Prosecutors intend to show that Davis made the calls leading to Shakur’s death and provided the weapon. Davis co-authored the memoir “Compton Street Legends,” vividly describing the shooting. The book mentions that Davis obtained a gun and tossed it into the backseat of the Cadillac but does not specify who fired the shots.
Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, Davis’s nephew, has long been suspected of being the shooter. However, he was never charged and died two years after Shakur in an unrelated gang shooting in Compton. Two others, Deandrae “Freaky” Smith and Terry “Bubble Up” Brown, were in the car with Davis and Anderson. They have since passed away as well.
Fans expressed relief online that the trial has commenced. Comments on forums highlighted the trial’s significance to hip hop. One user mentioned Shakur would be 55 if alive, emphasizing his youth at the time of his death.
Prosecutors intend to call 35 to 45 witnesses, ranging from those who saw Shakur shortly before the shooting to associates of Shakur and Davis at that time. The list includes former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Shakur’s family members. However, not all listed will testify.
Among the expected witnesses is Denvonta Lee, affiliated with the South Side Crips. He testified to the grand jury that rival gangs Crips and Mob Piru were linked to opposing record labels: Death Row Records and Bad Boy Records. Although not present that night, Lee stated that Anderson lacked a clear shot, so Smith used the weapon. He added that Davis directed Anderson, who then handed the gun to Smith.
Davis’s defense plans to call a few witnesses, including an expert on false confessions and coercive interrogation techniques.
The trial may see attendance from celebrities. One potential witness is incarcerated in California. Knight, serving a 28-year sentence for a separate incident, previously indicated he would not testify. Knight’s testimony could be critical, as he is the only other surviving witness in the vehicles that night.
Davis’s defense attorney, Michael Sanft, remarked that Knight could serve as a helpful witness. Fans have speculated about Sean “Diddy” Combs’s potential testimony. However, his name is not on any witness list. According to Davis’s book, Combs allegedly offered Davis money to kill Knight and Shakur, allegations Combs has consistently denied.
Reporters from The Associated Press, including Ty ONeil, Rebecca Boone, and John Seewer, contributed to this article.