Duane “Keffe D” Davis has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 1996 killing of legendary American rapper Tupac Shakur, nearly three decades after the case remained unsolved.

Davis is the only person ever charged in connection with Tupac’s death and was accused of helping plan the drive-by shooting that killed the rapper in Las Vegas.

Prosecutors Link Davis to Shooting

During closing arguments, prosecutors relied on circumstantial evidence and statements Davis had made about the incident to link him to the killing.

They described Davis as a key figure within the South Side Compton Crips and alleged that he organised the effort to target Tupac following a confrontation involving members of the group.

Prosecutors also pointed to Davis’ memoir, which contains details about the shooting, arguing that the account amounted to an admission of his involvement despite the book being credited to a co-writer.

Defence Disputes Evidence

Davis’ defence team rejected the prosecution’s case and maintained that his account of the shooting was fictional.

His lawyers also raised concerns about missing investigative records and argued that prosecutors had not presented direct evidence connecting Davis to the killing.

Tupac Was Killed in 1996

Tupac was shot during a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, while travelling in a car with Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight.

The rapper died six days later at the age of 25. His death became one of the most enduring unsolved murder cases in American music history.

Davis was arrested and charged decades later after authorities revived the investigation. His conviction now marks the first major criminal finding against a person in connection with Tupac Shakur’s killing.