Family members leave courtroom as autopsy photos of Tupac Shakur presented at murder trial
During the second day of testimony in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, prosecutors showed autopsy photographs of Tupac Shakur, prompting some of the rapper’s relatives to exit the courtroom while others stayed for closure.
Some relatives of the late rapper Tupac Shakur stepped out of the Las Vegas courtroom on Tuesday before prosecutors displayed autopsy photographs as part of the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is accused of orchestrating Shakur’s 1996 drive-by shooting. Others remained to witness the evidence.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Lisa Gavin, a Clark County medical examiner, described Shakur’s injuries, noting three bullet wounds that damaged his lung, intestines and other tissues. Jurors were first shown a photo of a green body bag, followed by an image of Shakur’s body showing multiple chest wounds, tattoos and chest tubes still in place. The photographs were not included in the trial’s video feed.
Shakur’s cousin Zayd Akinyela said he stayed in the courtroom to help his grieving process, adding that seeing the details “helps the grief process” and provides personal closure. He expressed anger and sadness after viewing the images.
The prosecution also presented surveillance footage from the MGM Grand casino that captured a clash involving Shakur’s entourage and a subsequent police response. Former Las Vegas police officer Dean O’Kelley testified about cartridge evidence and the suspect vehicle, described as a white Cadillac.
Davis, 63, has pleaded not guilty and faces a potential life sentence if convicted of murder with a deadly weapon in furtherance of a criminal gang. His defense attorney characterized the prosecution’s narrative as fictional.
The trial continues with additional witness testimony, while family members who had left returned for later portions of the proceedings.