Duane Davis Convicted in 1996 Tupac Shakur Murder

A Las Vegas jury has convicted Duane "Keffe D" Davis of first-degree murder for orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting of iconic rapper Tupac Shakur, closing one of the most infamous cold cases in American history. The verdict, delivered on September 1, 2026, marks the first and only conviction in connection with the killing that occurred nearly 30 years ago. Davis, 63, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips, was found guilty of murder with the use of a deadly weapon. Prosecutors did not allege that Davis personally fired the fatal shots but successfully argued that he was criminally responsible for obtaining the weapon and directing the attack. Under Nevada law, a person who aids or abets a murder can be convicted of the crime. Davis now faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole. District Judge Carli Kierny ordered him to remain in custody until his sentencing on October 13, 2026. Davis indicated after the verdict that he plans to appeal. The prosecution's case rested heavily on Davis's own repeated admissions over many years.