Title: Former Gang Member Charged in Tupac Shakur’s Murder Makes First Court Appearance
Date: October 4, 2023
Las Vegas – Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the man charged in the high-profile murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996, appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday morning. Davis, 60, stood before district court judge Tara Jones, informing her that he had sought counsel, but his attorney could not be present, resulting in a two-week continuance granted by the judge. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 19th at 9 a.m. local time.
Davis, a former gang member, was arrested on September 29th, shortly after being indicted by a Nevada grand jury. He has been charged with one count of murder with the use of a deadly weapon with a gang enhancement. Clark County district attorney Steve Wolfson confirmed during a news conference that Davis was meant to be arraigned and enter a plea at the hearing, but this has been postponed until he appears in court alongside his lawyer. After Davis enters his plea, the judge will set a date for a jury trial.
Wolfson stated that Davis will remain in custody without bail until his next court appearance. When asked about the case’s challenges due to its 27-year-old cold status, Wolfson expressed confidence in the legally admissible evidence presented to the grand jury. He believes that the criminal justice system will work effectively in this case.
According to Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGiacomo, Davis was the “on-ground, on-site commander” who “ordered the death” of Tupac Shakur. In his 2019 memoir, Davis previously described himself as a witness to the murder, admitting to being in the vehicle from which the shots were fired and implicating his late nephew Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson as one of the gunmen.
Investigators have had knowledge of Davis for some time. In July, police raided his wife’s home, seeking items related to the murder of Tupac Shakur, and collected electronics, photos, and a copy of Davis’ memoir as evidence.
The murder of Tupac Shakur remains unsolved for 27 years until Davis’s recent arrest, rekindling public interest in the case. As the legal proceedings continue, the criminal justice system aims to provide answers and justice for the slain hip-hop star.