Las Vegas—A Nevada court has started the trial of 63‑year‑old Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who prosecutors say masterminded the 1996 killing of hip‑hop icon Tupac Shakur. The case, nearly three decades after Shakur was shot while riding in a BMW near the Las Vegas Strip, centers on Davis’s own statements in interviews, a podcast, and a memoir he co‑authored.

Prosecution’s key evidence

According to the state’s attorneys, Davis’s 2019 memoir, “Compton Street Legend,” details his involvement in the ambush that killed Shakur. Prosecutors argue that his published account, along with other public remarks, provides a roadmap of the crime, even though they do not allege he fired the fatal shots.

Defense response

Davis has entered a not‑guilty plea and, in a recent jailhouse interview with KLAS, claimed he was not in Las Vegas on the night of the shooting. His lawyer warned jurors not to trust Davis’s past statements, displaying the word “bullsh*t” on a screen for emphasis.

Shakur’s legacy and family reaction

Shakur, who died at 25, often spoke about his own mortality in interviews and lyrics, expressing a belief that his life was meant to inspire others. His stepbrother Mopreme Shakur and sister Sekyiwa Shakur have attended the trial, describing the experience as emotionally draining. Family friend Tuere Burns left the courtroom after graphic autopsy photos were shown.

Historical context

The murder followed a 1994 shooting of Shakur at Quad Recording Studios in Manhattan, an event that intensified the East Coast–West Coast rap rivalry. Shakur’s subsequent conviction for sexual abuse and his time in prison added further complexity to his public image.

While the trial may determine who organized the killing, it may not reveal who pulled the trigger, as many alleged participants have since died. Regardless of the verdict, Shakur’s music and his reflections on life and death continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.