A former Gang Leader Charged in Tupac Shakur's 1996 Killing Faces Trial After Nearly 30 Years

Jury selection commenced on Monday, August 10, 2026, for the Las Vegas murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, a former gang leader accused of orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting of rap legend Tupac Shakur.Duane "Keffe D" Davis, aged 63, previously led the South Side Compton Crips. He has entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of murder with a deadly weapon, which includes a gang enhancement.According to prosecutors, Davis planned the shooting as an act of retaliation. This attack followed a brawl at a casino earlier that evening, which involved Shakur's entourage and Davis’s nephew, Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson. Under Nevada law, a person can be found guilty of murder for aiding and abetting, even if they did not directly fire the weapon.The prosecution's argument heavily depends on Davis's own public statements and his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legends, in which he detailed his involvement in acquiring the firearm and riding in the white Cadillac from which the lethal shots were discharged. Furthermore, a judge has permitted the use of a recorded police interview from 2008 as evidence against him.Davis is the sole surviving occupant of the Cadillac. The alleged shooter, Orlando Anderson, along with the other two passengers, Deandrae "Freaky" Smith and Terry "Bubble Up" Brown, have all passed away since the 1996 incident.The process of selecting potential jurors began on Monday at the Clark County District Court, overseen by Judge Carli Kierny. A total of 16 jurors, including alternates, will be chosen. This vetting process is anticipated to extend throughout much of the week.Once the jury is established, opening statements will commence. The highly publicized trial is projected to last approximately one month.Due to significant public interest, courtroom seating is limited and allocated through a daily lottery, although a live feed is available.