Sept. 11 (UPI) — Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Durk was acquitted Friday on charges of hiring a crew to kill a rival rapper as revenge for the death of his friend.
Lil Durk, 33, whose real name is Durk Banks, was on trial in federal court over the 2022 death of Saviay’a Robinson in Los Angeles.
Robinson was killed during an attempt to shoot rapper Tyquian Bowman, known as Quando Rondo, who had been involved in a fight that resulted in the death of Banks’ close associate Dayvon Bennett, the rapper known as King Von.
Prosecutors said Banks ordered a hit on Bowman as revenge for the 2020 slaying, paying for flights and ski masks for a group of men to target his rival.
He also offered a cash reward for the killing, prosecutors said.
Banks cried as the verdict was read, Courthouse News reported.
Two other defendants, Deandre Wilson and David Lindsey, were acquitted of murder-for-hire but convicted of stalking resulting in death. They face life in prison.
The jury deliberated for three days before handing Banks the acquittal on Friday.
Banks was arrested in Miami on Oct. 24, 2024, as he attempted to board a private plane to Italy. He had booked three international flights.
Banks was held in Florida without bond and transferred to Los Angeles. He had faced life in prison if convicted.
Lil Durk won a Grammy Award in 2024 for best melodic rap performance for his song “All My Life.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.