LAS VEGAS — The prosecution wrapped up its presentation on Wednesday in the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the alleged mastermind behind the 1996 killing of rap legend Tupac Shakur. Over the course of the day, 24 witnesses testified, including former gang detectives and former police officers who described Davis as a high‑ranking “shot caller” within the South Side Compton Crips.
Key testimony
One of the final witnesses played recorded jail calls and past interview clips for the jury. In a 2023 call, Davis complained that authorities were trying to use his own words against him, saying, “They’re trying to use my words against me.” A YouTube video was also shown in which Davis held up his book and urged viewers to purchase it to “get the real truth.”
Prosecution’s theory
Prosecutors do not allege that Davis fired the shots that killed Shakur. Instead, they argue he coordinated the attack as retaliation for a casino brawl earlier that day involving Shakur and Davis’s nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson. Under Nevada law, a person who aids or directs another to commit murder can be convicted of the crime.
Former Compton gang detective Robert Ladd testified that Davis’s authority meant younger gang members would not have opened fire on Shakur without his permission. Ladd described Davis as a leader who could order younger members to act, and said that if Davis had told the group to handle the dispute later, “there wouldn’t have been a shooting.”
Defense preparation
Defense attorney Michael Sanft told the judge that he has a detective and two police officers ready to testify. Davis has not yet decided whether he will take the stand in his own defense.
Sanft emphasized the lack of physical evidence linking Davis to the Las Vegas shooting. Ladd acknowledged that, aside from Davis’s own statements, there is no physical evidence placing him in Las Vegas that night, nor phone records showing he ordered the attack. Investigators have collected bills and letters from Las Vegas hotels linked to Anderson and Davis, but the dates and current locations of that evidence remain unknown.
Background
According to the testimony, the shooting sparked a ten‑day gang war in Compton between the South Side Crips and the Mob Piru set, resulting in three killings and ten attempted murders. In past interviews, Davis claimed he was riding in a white Cadillac with Anderson and two other men when they pulled alongside Shakur and Death Row Records co‑founder Marion “Suge” Knight in a black BMW. In a 2008 police interview shown to jurors, Davis said he supplied the gun and that Anderson fired it.
The trial continues Thursday with the defense presenting its case.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
