Accused orchestrator of Tupac Shakur's 1996 murder arrested, charged

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Sep 2023 13:36

Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been under investigators' scrutiny for a considerable period.

Las Vegas police Lt. Jason Johansson of the Homicide Section speaks beside a photo of Duane "Keffe D" Davis during a news conference on an indictment in the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Las Vegas. The screen in the rear has a name misspelled (AP Photo/John Locher)

In a significant development for one of hip-hop's enduring mysteries, a man accused of orchestrating the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur was apprehended and officially charged with murder on Friday by prosecutors.

Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been under investigators' scrutiny for a considerable period and was among the four initial suspects identified during the early stages of the investigation.

While he is not the alleged gunman, authorities described him as the leader of the group during a news conference and in court on Friday.

"For 27 years, the family of Tupac Shakur has been waiting for justice."

Kevin McMahill, sheriff at Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, confirms that 60-year-old Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been arrested over the murder of Tupac Shakur.https://t.co/7wBOjG3HXQ

📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/6SbTzkRomf
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 29, 2023

In Nevada, individuals can face criminal charges, including murder, if they aid someone in committing the crime.

"Duane Davis was the shot caller for this group of individuals that committed this crime," said Las Vegas police homicide Lt. Jason Johansson, "and he orchestrated the plan that was carried out."

Davis has openly confessed, both in interviews and within his 2019 memoir titled "Compton Street Legend," to supplying the firearm utilized in the drive-by shooting.

According to authorities, Davis' public statements on the matter reignited the investigation on Friday.

At the age of 60, Davis was apprehended during a walk near his residence on the outskirts of Las Vegas early Friday. This arrest occurred just hours before prosecutors disclosed in court that a Nevada grand jury had issued an indictment against the self-proclaimed "gangster," charging him with one count of murder with a deadly weapon. He is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Additionally, the grand jury decided to include a sentencing enhancement related to gang activity with the murder charge, potentially resulting in an additional 20 years in prison if he is found guilty.