NewsKPBS Public MediaJuly 29, 2026San Diego
Judge Rules 2008 Police Interview Admissible in Tupac Shakur Murder Trial
A Nevada judge has ruled that a 2008 police interview with Duane 'Keffe D' Davis can be used as evidence in his upcoming murder trial for the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. The defense had argued the interview was meant to be confidential, but the judge sided with prosecutors who argued Davis waived that protection by speaking publicly about the case.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The ruling allows prosecutors to use key statements from the defendant in the trial for the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, which is scheduled to begin on August 10.
Key Facts
- Judge Carli Kierny ruled that a 2008 police interview with Duane 'Keffe D' Davis is admissible in his upcoming murder trial.
- The trial for the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur is scheduled to begin on August 10.
- Duane Davis, 63, faces life in prison without parole if convicted of murder.
- Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the 1996 shooting of Tupac Shakur.
- The defense argued the 2008 interview was confidential and promised immunity, which prosecutors denied.
- The judge ruled that Davis's public statements in his book 'Compton Street Legend' and other media appearances waived the confidentiality of his 2008 interview.
- Tupac Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas and died six days later.
- Marion 'Suge' Knight was present in the vehicle with Shakur during the shooting and survived with minor injuries.
- Davis is the only surviving person of the four individuals alleged to have been in the white Cadillac during the shooting.
- The trial is expected to last approximately four weeks.
Who's Mentioned
personMichael Sanft“Defense attorney for Duane Davis”personDeandrae 'Freaky' Smith“Alleged participant in the shooting”personTupac Shakur“Victim of the 1996 homicide”personCarli Kierny“Nevada judge presiding over the case”personMarion 'Suge' Knight“Death Row Records founder present during the shooting”personDuane 'Keffe D' Davis“Defendant charged with murder”locationLas Vegas“Site of the murder and the trial”personOrlando 'Baby Lane' Anderson“Alleged participant in the shooting”personGreg Kading“Former LAPD detective and author”