A former gang associate of music executive Suge Knight appeared reluctant during testimony at the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis this week. James McDonald, who previously worked in security for Knight during Death Row Records’ peak years, took the witness stand in Las Vegas on the second day of Davis’s trial. McDonald acknowledged being present at Knight’s nightclub on the evening of Tupac Shakur’s fatal 1996 shooting but consistently refused to provide specific details about what he witnessed.
During cross-examination by Davis’s defense attorney, McDonald became visibly uncomfortable when pressed for information about events following the shooting. He repeatedly declined to answer questions, stating he did not want to incriminate Davis despite the two men having a contentious relationship. McDonald expressed frustration at the defense strategy, telling the attorney he would not provide testimony that could harm Davis’s case.
McDonald indicated that knowledge of the shooting’s circumstances was widespread within gang communities at the time. He described a retaliatory gang conflict that erupted between rival organizations after the incident. The witness also noted he had left gang involvement and was now focused on raising his grandchildren, testifying only because he wanted to avoid being pursued for ignoring his court order.
Davis, 63, faces murder charges in connection with Shakur’s death. Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the shooting and obtained the weapon used in the attack, though Davis has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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