Keffe D Davis Convicted of Murdering Tupac Shakur in 1996

A Las Vegas jury convicted Duane "Keffe D" Davis of first-degree murder on Monday. Davis was found guilty in the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur. Jurors deliberated for about three hours following a nearly two-week trial. Davis, 63, is the only person ever charged in Shakur's fatal shooting near the Las Vegas Strip. Prosecutors never accused Davis of firing the shots himself. Instead, they said he orchestrated the killing as a Compton gang shot-caller. Judge Carli Kierny ordered Davis held without bond. He will be sentenced on Oct. 13 and faces up to life in prison.

Clark County Jury Convicts Davis, Drops Gang Charge

The Clark County jury returned its verdict Monday afternoon after a roughly two-week trial. Davis was convicted of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors had also sought a gang enhancement charge, but dropped it. They cited witness logistics shortly before the verdict was read. During closing arguments, prosecutor Binu Palal urged jurors to hold Davis accountable.

"He is responsible of the murder of Tupac Shakur," Palal said. "Tell him you hear him. Find him guilty." Jurors were polled individually, each affirming the guilty verdict.

Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, wiped away tears as the decision was announced.

The rapper died at a Las Vegas hospital less than two miles from the courthouse.

Davis' Own Words and Retaliation Motive Take Center Stage

Much of the prosecution's case rested on Davis' own statements. Investigators pointed to police interviews and his 2019 memoir. In a recorded account, Davis described handing a gun to the back seat of a Cadillac. "We did what we had to do," Davis said of the shooting.

Prosecutors argued the attack was retaliation. They said Davis' nephew was assaulted in a casino lobby earlier that night. Davis' attorney disputed the statements throughout the trial. He told jurors his client has been "full of crap" for decades. Davis did not testify in his own defense. Jurors heard testimony from two dozen prosecution witnesses across the trial.

First Conviction in Tupac's Death in Nearly 30 Years

Davis faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Judge Kierny scheduled the sentencing hearing for Oct. 13. Davis told the judge he intends to appeal the verdict. He also asked for his personal belongings to be returned. The verdict marks the first conviction in Shakur's killing in nearly 30 years. Shakur died six days after the September 1996 shooting. He was 25 years old and remains one of hip-hop's most influential artists.

After the verdict, Shakur family members hugged prosecutors outside the courtroom. Davis' son covered his face as jurors confirmed the verdict. Prosecutors called the outcome long-awaited justice for the Shakur family.