Grammy Winning Rapper Lil Durk Acquitted in Murder For Hire Trial
5 sources across 4 countries · Brazil · Hungary · Philippines · United Kingdom
Who reported this
- UOL
- Folha de S.Paulo
- Telex
- Philippine Daily Inquirer
- BBC News
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- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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A federal jury in Los Angeles has found rapper Lil Durk not guilty of conspiracy, stalking, and murder for hire. The 33 year old Chicago artist, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was accused of orchestrating the 2022 killing of Saviay'a Robinson, the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo. Prosecutors alleged that Banks sought revenge for the 2020 murder of his friend and Only The Family collective member, King Von. The prosecution argued that Banks provided funds for gunmen to track and kill Rondo, but the gunmen instead killed Robinson during a shooting at a gas station.
While Banks was acquitted, two co defendants, Deandre Wilson and David Lindsey, were convicted of stalking and conspiracy to commit stalking, though they were also acquitted of murder for hire. The trial featured testimony from three cooperating witnesses who reached plea deals, including Kavon Grant. High profile figures such as Ye and Machine Gun Kelly attended the proceedings, and fans gathered outside the courthouse to celebrate the verdict.
Despite the acquittal, Banks remains in custody. He faces a separate trial scheduled for October 5 regarding racketeering and firearms charges. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli expressed disappointment with the verdict but stated that the government looks forward to presenting evidence at the second trial. Banks is a 2024 Grammy winner for Best Melodic Rap Performance for the song All My Life featuring J Cole.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- This outlet highlighted the legal victory while noting the rapper's continued detention for other crimes.
- Centre
- These outlets focused on the legal details of the acquittal and the specific charges remaining against the rapper.
Sources
- Centre BBC News: Grammy-winning US rapper Lil Durk acquitted in murder-for-hire trial
- Centre Folha de S.Paulo: Rapper Lil Durk acquitted of charge of ordering rival's murder
- Centre Philippine Daily Inquirer: Rapper Lil Durk acquitted of murder-for-hire at Los Angeles trial
- Centre Telex: Grammy winning rapper acquitted who was accused of wanting to kill his rival out of revenge
- Centre-left UOL: Rapper Lil Durk acquitted of charge of ordering rival's death
100% of the statements in this article were traced back to the source articles listed above.