Duane “Keffe D” Davis found guilty in Tupac Shakur’s murder, three decades later

(CNN) – Duane “Keffe D” Davis was convicted Monday of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further, or assist a criminal gang in the killing of hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur.

The jury deliberated for about three hours.

He will be sentence October 13, 2026. He faces possible life in prison.

Davis is the only person ever charged in Shakur’s 1996 fatal shooting near the Las Vegas Strip. Prosecutors didn’t allege Davis fired the shots that killed Shakur but accused him of orchestrating the killing.

In closing arguments, the prosecution argued that Davis — who they describe as the “shot caller” — and his crew “went hunting” for Shakur. Davis’ memoir, which details the shooting, should be considered an admission by Davis, despite it listing a cowriter, the prosecutor said.

The defense said that Davis’ recounting of the shooting in his memoir was “fiction,” also focusing on missing investigative records and a lack of direct evidence.

After the verdict was announced, Davis said he plans to appeal and asked the judge for his personal belongings, including his phone and laptop, back.

Family members of Shakur appeared emotional as the guilty verdict against Davis was read.

There were no audible reactions in the courtroom, but Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur – the rapper’s sister – appeared to cry quietly.

Prosecutors have decided to not proceed with a potential gang enhancement against Davis due to “witness logistics,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal said in court.

There was a former officer that would’ve given about 10 to 15 minutes of testimony but “there are logistical issues on our end that prevent that from happening.”

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.