Killer of Rapper Tupac Shakur’s found guilty, 30 years on

A former gang leader has been found guilty of the first-degree murder of Tupac Shakur, bringing to a close a case that had remained unsolved since the rapper’s death back in 1996.

CNN reported from court today that Duane “Keffe D” Davis was convicted “of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further, or assist a criminal gang” in the killing of the legendary rapper, who was only 25 years old when he was gunned down in Las Vegas almost 30 years ago to the day, on September 7, 1996.

CNN reported that Davis intends to appeal the verdict, and that his sentencing is scheduled for October 13. He could face a sentence of life in prison without parole.

Davis, 63, a one-time leader of the South Side Compton Crips, is accused of ordering the September 7, 1996 killing of the hip-hop artist after his own nephew had been beaten by members of Shakur’s entourage at a Las Vegas casino.

“Duane Davis, in the culture of gangs, could not let that stand,” prosecutor Binu Palal said during closing arguments. “So what did he do? He acquired a firearm, got his group together, and went hunting for Mr Shakur.”