Closing arguments began on Monday for the trial of Duane Davis, known as ‘Keffe D’, accused in connection with the 1996 assassination of American rapper Tupac Shakur
Prosecutors alleged that on September 7, 1996, the 63-year-old organised the killing by supplying the firearm used in the shooting.
Before the shooting, prosecutors said Mr Davis’ nephew, Orlando ‘Baby Lane’ Anderson, was attacked by Tupac and his entourage at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, leading to the incident.
Tupac was shot multiple times and died six days later at the age of 25, while Mr Knight survived the shooting.
Prosecutors have also relied heavily on previous statements from Mr Davis, including a 2008 interview with investigators from a federal task force investigating the killing of rapper The Notorious B.I.G., in which he said he handed a gun to the men in the back seat of the Cadillac before the shooting.
They also cited statements from his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend.
Michael Sanft, the defendant’s lawyer, has rejected the prosecution’s claim, arguing that there is no credible evidence linking his client to the shooting and that his previous statements were exaggerated for publicity, money and notoriety.
However, the defence rested its case last week after calling three witnesses, while prosecutors called 24 witnesses during their case. The defendant did not testify.
With the closing arguments currently ongoing, the judge is expected to instruct the jury before it begins deliberations on whether Mr Davis is guilty or not guilty.
If convicted, he could face a life sentence in prison.
