Los Angeles – In a federal courtroom Friday, Grammy‑winning rap artist Lil Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, was acquitted of every charge related to a murder‑for‑hire plot that prosecutors said targeted rival rapper Quando Rondo. The verdict came after a three‑day trial that focused on a 2022 shooting at a gasoline station near the Beverly Center.
Trial background and key allegations
According to a 32‑page indictment, prosecutors alleged that Banks acted as the ringleader of a violent gang linked to his record label, One of the Family. They claimed he ordered a bounty on Rondo’s head as revenge for the 2020 killing of his close friend, Dayvon “King Von” Bennett, by an associate of Rondo. The alleged hit went awry, resulting in the death of Bowman’s 24‑year‑old cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, instead of the intended target.
The indictment also charged Banks with conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking with a dangerous weapon, and stalking resulting in death. Two co‑defendants, Deandre Dontrell Wilson and David Brian Lindsey, faced the same murder‑for‑hire accusations but were found guilty only of the stalking‑related offenses.
Acquittal and immediate reactions
The jury’s decision cleared Banks of all murder‑for‑hire counts. Supporters gathered outside the downtown Los Angeles federal courthouse to celebrate the verdict. Despite the not‑guilty finding, Banks remains in custody pending a separate federal trial scheduled for October 5, which will address alleged racketeering and weapons offenses tied to the same incident.
Defense arguments
Defense counsel maintained that Banks had no involvement in the plot, suggesting that a former personal assistant acted independently to impress his boss. The assistant, along with two other associates, had previously entered plea agreements and testified for the prosecution.
Next steps
U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson confirmed that the upcoming October trial will focus on murder‑related racketeering and weapons charges. The co‑defendants, Wilson and Lindsey, will also face trial on those counts.
While the acquittal resolves the murder‑for‑hire allegations, the legal saga for Banks is far from over, and the federal court will continue to address the remaining charges in the coming months.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
