A federal jury in Los Angeles acquitted Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk on Friday of murder-for-hire, conspiracy, and stalking charges connected to a 2022 shooting at Beverly Center mall. Prosecutors had argued that Durk Banks orchestrated the attack on rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 death of his associate King Von, who was killed by someone in Rondo’s group during an Atlanta altercation. However, the intended target was not struck; instead, Rondo’s cousin Saviay’a Robinson was fatally shot when three gunmen fired 18 rounds into a vehicle.
Two co-defendants faced mixed verdicts in the same trial. Deandre Wilson and David Lindsey were convicted of conspiracy, stalking with a dangerous weapon, and stalking resulting in death, though both were acquitted of murder-for-hire charges. Prosecutors contended that Durk leveraged his financial resources and influence to orchestrate the shooting, while the defense challenged the credibility of three cooperating witnesses, characterizing them as unreliable informants seeking reduced sentences.
The 32-year-old artist stands as a prominent figure in Chicago’s drill music movement and maintains significant commercial success, with recent chart-topping performances and a Grammy Award win. The high-profile case drew considerable media attention, with supporters including notable celebrities gathering outside the courthouse throughout the proceedings.
Originally reported by Variety →
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