Lil Durk’s murder-for-hire trial begins as prosecutors allege revenge plot against Quando Rondo
TheGrio...
Prosecutors say the rapper financed a plot targeting Quando Rondo, while his defense maintains, “Mr. Banks had nothing to do with it.”
Lil Durk’s federal murder-for-hire trial is underway in Los Angeles, with prosecutors accusing the Grammy-winning rapper of financing a revenge plot against Quando Rondo that resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin. Lil Durk’s murder-for-hire trial comes nearly two years after TheGrio covered Durk’s arrest and federal charges.
During opening statements Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Weiner told jurors that Durk, whose legal name is Durk Devontay Banks, was “consumed with revenge” after King Von’s death, the Los Angeles Times reported. Prosecutors allege Durk put a bounty on Tyquian Bowman, better known as Quando Rondo, and financed an effort to kill him.
The alleged ambush unfolded near the Beverly Center in August 2022. Prosecutors say members of Durk’s Only The Family circle followed Bowman before opening fire at a gas station. Bowman survived, but his cousin, 24-year-old Saviay’a Robinson, was fatally shot.
Durk, 33, has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Marissa Goldberg, told jurors that former Durk assistant Kavon Grant organized the trip, booked hotels and vehicles and purchased ski masks before the shooting. Grant has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors.
“Mr. Banks had nothing to do with it,” Goldberg told the jury, arguing there is no evidence Durk paid anyone to carry out a killing.
Prosecutors say Durk used coded language and his financial resources to facilitate the alleged plot. Weiner told jurors the case was about “revenge, stalking and pre-meditated murder,” while the defense argued prosecutors are attempting to transform Durk’s music and lyrics into evidence of criminal intent.
Keith Jones and Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester have also accepted plea deals and are expected to testify for the government. Durk is being tried alongside David Lindsey and Deondre Wilson, who have also denied the charges.