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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 31, 2026Miami-Dade

Jurors hear closing arguments in the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis

Jurors are hearing closing arguments in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the only person charged in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the shooting, while the defense maintains there is no physical evidence linking him to the crime.

criminal justicehomicidegang violencecourt proceedings
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Why It Matters

The trial concludes nearly 30 years after the shooting, marking the final legal effort to determine criminal responsibility for the death of Tupac Shakur.

Key Facts

  • Duane “Keffe D” Davis is the only person ever charged in the 1996 death of Tupac Shakur.
  • The jury panel consists of 16 people, but only 12 will deliberate on the final verdict.
  • Prosecutors rely on four previous statements made by Davis, including a 2008 federal proffer interview and his 2019 memoir.
  • The defense argues there is no physical evidence connecting Davis to the crime.
  • Judge Carli Kierny instructed the jury on the legal differences between first- and second-degree murder.
  • First-degree murder requires a finding of premeditation and deliberation.
  • Second-degree murder can apply if a death is a foreseeable result of a defendant's actions.
  • The trial included nine days of testimony from detectives, former gang associates, and documentarians.
  • The case stems from a gang rivalry between the South Side Crips and the Mob Piru.

Who's Mentioned

personMopreme Shakur“Sibling of Tupac Shakur.”personPalal“Prosecutor in the case.”other16“Total number of people on the jury panel.”personHeather Collins“Spectator at the trial.”other50“Number of gangs in the region at the time.”personDuane “Keffe D” Davis“Defendant accused of orchestrating the murder of Tupac Shakur.”personIngrid Stokes“Witness who testified about the night of the shooting.”organizationMob Piru“Gang involved in the rivalry.”organizationState of Nevada“Prosecuting entity.”personSekyiwa “Set” Shakur“Sibling of Tupac Shakur.”personCarli Kierny“Judge presiding over the trial.”organizationSouth Side Crips“Gang involved in the rivalry.”other12“Number of jurors who will decide the verdict.”personTupac Shakur“Victim of the 1996 shooting.”