US law enforcement authorities have filed charges against a former gang leader in connection with the 1996 murder of renowned rapper Tupac Shakur, marking a significant development in this enduring case that continues to captivate the public.
During a drive-by attack in Las Vegas, assailants tragically shot the iconic hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur, who was born in New York, four times when he was 25 years old. On Friday, a grand jury in Nevada indicted 60-year-old Duane “Keffe D” Davis on a single count of murder with a deadly weapon.
According to police reports, Davis orchestrated the fatal shooting following a confrontation between Shakur and his nephew at a casino. Law enforcement officers apprehended Davis near his Las Vegas residence on Friday, and he will make a court appearance in the coming days. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has released his mugshot.
Greg Kading, a retired detective from the Los Angeles Police Department who devoted years to investigating Shakur’s murder, expressed little surprise at Davis’ arrest. “All the other direct conspirators or participants are all deceased,” remarked Mr. Kading, characterizing Mr. Davis as “the last remaining individual” linked to the case.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Marc DiaGiacomo portrayed Mr. Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips street gang, as the “on-ground, on-site commander” who gave the order for Shakur’s murder.
Jason Johansson press conference.
During a subsequent press conference, Officer Jason Johansson explained the breakthrough in Tupac Shakur murder , stating that Shakur and Orlando Anderson, the suspect’s late nephew, had a physical altercation at a casino shortly before someone shot the rapper on September 7, 1996. Shakur succumbed to his injuries in the hospital a few days later.
Officer Johansson presented hotel security camera footage showing Anderson being assaulted, asserting that this incident led to the retaliatory shooting of Shakur while he waited in his car at a red light. The officer emphasized that the crime had clear gang-related ties and had undergone multiple reviews over the years.
However, it was not until 2018, when new information emerged, that the case gained renewed momentum. Officer Johansson also stressed that Mr. Davis publicly admitted his presence in the vehicle from which the shots were fired.
In the same press conference, a visibly moved Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that “for 27 years, Tupac Shakur’s family has been awaiting justice.” He dispelled any notion that the police department had not prioritized solving Shakur’s murder, emphasizing their commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
Tupac Shakur, known by his stage name as 2Pac, launched his debut album in 1991. As one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures, his tragic death inspired numerous documentaries. He achieved global recognition, selling over 75 million records worldwide and producing chart-topping hits such as California Love, All Eyez On Me, and Changes. Additionally, Shakur made a mark in the film industry with roles in movies like Juice, Poetic Justice, Above The Rim, Gridlock’d, and Gang Related.