Jury chosen for Las Vegas trial in Tupac Shakur murder case
A 16-person jury was selected in Las Vegas to hear the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, accused of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Opening statements are set for Monday and the trial is expected to last about a month.
A jury of six men and ten women was chosen Thursday to hear the murder trial of former gang leader Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who prosecutors say coordinated the 1996 drive-by shooting that killed rapper Tupac Shakur. Opening statements are scheduled for Monday, and the case is projected to run roughly one month.
Davis, 63, was charged three years ago and has pleaded not guilty. He faces a possible life sentence if convicted. Prosecutors allege that Davis acted as the “shot caller,” arranging the attack and providing the firearm, though they do not claim he fired the weapon himself. Under Nevada law, a person can be convicted of murder for aiding the crime.
The jurors were questioned about their media preferences, attitudes toward gangs, and whether they have listened to Shakur’s music. The selection process resulted in a 16-member panel.
Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, while riding in a BMW driven by Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight. Knight survived; Shakur died six days later. Knight, now serving a 28-year sentence for a separate homicide, has said he does not wish to participate in the trial.
The case was revived after Davis published a 2019 book, “Compton Street Legend,” detailing the shooting and his involvement with the Crips. His defense argued that the book contained fictionalized content and that prior interviews should remain confidential.
Prosecutors anticipate calling 35 to 45 witnesses, including individuals who saw Shakur before the shooting and associates of both Shakur and Davis. Sean “Diddy” Combs, whom Davis alleged wanted Shakur dead, will not be called to testify.