The case that shook the hip-hop world and remained unsolved for over two decades has finally taken a historic turn. Duane 'Keffe D' Davis, 63, was found guilty of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon for the death of Tupac Shakur, which occurred in Las Vegas in September 1996. The verdict was delivered on Monday, September 1, 2026, after a trial that captured international attention.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, and the judge could impose a penalty that, given the defendant's age, would amount to life in prison. However, defense attorney Michael Sanft has already announced he will appeal the conviction, citing irregularities in the process.
Defense Arguments
Sanft argues that the judge erred by allowing the jury to hear statements Davis made in a 2008 'proffer' interview, linked to the murder of Notorious B.I.G. (also known as Biggie Smalls). According to the defense, those statements were 'highly prejudicial' and should not have been admitted as evidence.
Furthermore, Sanft argues that Davis lied in that interview and in his 2019 book Compton Street Legend to gain credibility in the criminal world, without material evidence supporting his claims. 'Just because someone says something doesn't mean it's true,' the lawyer told Rolling Stone.
The lawyer also noted that the verdict was reached in just 2.5 hours, suggesting the jury had already made a decision before deliberating. 'Nobody wants to lose, especially something like this,' Sanft said, adding that they will request the minimum possible sentence.
Appeal Process
After the October 13 sentencing, the defense will have 30 days to file a notice of appeal, and then 4 additional months to file the formal appeal with the Supreme Court. Sanft estimates the entire process could extend up to one year.
Meanwhile, the Shakur family issued a statement expressing they are 'delighted and relieved' by the conviction, and thanked the jury for their work. 'This is an important step toward justice for Tupac and his legacy,' they said.
Case Background
Tupac Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas, while riding in a car with Marion 'Suge' Knight, founder of Death Row Records. He died six days later, on September 13, at age 25. The case remained cold for decades, until Davis was arrested and formally charged in 2023.
Davis, a former member of the South Side Compton Crips gang, had admitted on several occasions to being in the vehicle from which the shots were fired, though he always denied pulling the trigger. His conviction marks a milestone in hip-hop history and closes a chapter many believed would never see justice.
With information from Rolling Stone.