Grammy-winning US rapper Lil Durk acquitted in murder-for-hire trial

September 12, 2026

Grammy-winning Chicago rapper Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was found not guilty on Friday of federal murder-for-hire charges related to a 2022 Los Angeles shooting that killed the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo. Federal prosecutors had alleged that Banks orchestrated the attack as revenge for the 2020 death of Chicago rapper King Von, offering a bounty for Rondo's killing. Despite this acquittal after three days of jury deliberation, the 33-year-old artist remains in custody and will face a second trial in October on separate racketeering, murder, and firearms charges.

Who is affected

Lil Durk (Durk Devontay Banks), the 33-year-old Grammy-winning rapper
Saviay'a Robinson, the victim who was killed in the 2022 shooting
Quando Rondo (Tyquian Bowman), the rival rapper whose cousin was killed
Co-defendants Deandre "OTF Dede" Wilson and David "Browneyez" Lindsey, who were convicted of stalking charges
Three cooperating witnesses: Kavon "OTF Vonnie" Grant, Keith "Flacka" Jones, and Kacey "OTF Jam" Hester
King Von, the deceased OTF rapper whose 2020 death allegedly sparked the revenge plot

What action is being taken

Lil Durk remains in custody despite his acquittal
Federal prosecutors are preparing to present evidence at Banks' second trial

Why it matters

This case highlights the intersection of gang violence, hip-hop culture, and the legal system, involving a prominent Grammy-winning artist with multiple chart-topping albums and collaborations with major stars like Drake and J Cole. The acquittal on murder-for-hire charges, despite testimony from three cooperating witnesses who reached plea deals, demonstrates the challenges prosecutors face in proving conspiracy cases. The outcome also matters because Banks still faces additional serious charges in a separate trial that could result in significant prison time, meaning his legal troubles and potential impact on his music career are far from over.

What's next

Lil Durk faces a second trial scheduled for 5 October, where he will face racketeering murder and firearms charges

Read full article from source: BBC