Chicago rapper Lil Durk will not face the death penalty in his high-profile federal murder-for-hire case, according to newly filed court documents. The government officially notified the court that it will not seek capital punishment if Durk is convicted of orchestrating a deadly plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo according to WorldStar.

This significant update comes as Durk—real name Durk Derrick Banks—awaits trial on federal charges stemming from the 2022 fatal shooting of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, a close affiliate of Quando Rondo.

Federal Prosecutors Take Death Penalty Off the Table

As of May 2025, federal prosecutors have confirmed they will not pursue the death penalty, even though Lil Durk was initially eligible due to the nature of the charges. This decision reduces the rapper’s maximum potential sentence to life in prison without parole if convicted.

The government’s formal notice was filed in court and is seen as a procedural yet pivotal development in the case.

Details of the Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

Lil Durk is accused of financing and coordinating a murder-for-hire operation through his Only The Family (OTF) label. The prosecution alleges that Durk used interstate communication to set up the ambush that resulted in the killing of Robinson outside the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.

Authorities claim the hit was retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von, a close friend and protégé of Lil Durk, allegedly at the hands of Quando Rondo’s crew.

Durk has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

 

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Trial Date and Legal Developments

Durk’s trial was originally set for January 2025 but has now been postponed to October 14, 2025, due to the volume of digital and physical evidence involved. The case includes:

Over 230 gigabytes of digital evidence

More than 20,000 pages of discovery, including surveillance, audio recordings, and medical records

Durk remains in federal custody without bond, after a $3.3 million bail package was rejected. The court cited concerns about his potential influence and public safety.

Lil Durk’s Legal Team Speaks Out

Durk’s attorney, Drew Findling, has criticized the indictment as “based on conjecture and misinterpretation.” He has also spoken out against the prosecution’s attempt to use Durk’s rap lyrics as evidence, calling it a violation of artistic freedom.

“This is an attack on free speech and culture,” Findling said. “Lyrics are not confessions.”

Civil rights advocates and hip-hop artists have echoed this concern, calling for reforms on the use of creative content in court.

Additional Allegations and Civil Lawsuit

In a related civil matter, the family of the deceased—Saviay’a Robinson—filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lil Durk earlier this year.

Federal prosecutors also mentioned a separate 2022 homicide in Chicago during Durk’s detention hearing, suggesting a pattern. Durk is not currently charged in that second case, but the claim was presented to argue against his release.
Music Career Continues Amid Legal Turmoil

Despite facing federal charges, Lil Durk released his ninth studio album, “Deep Thoughts,” in March 2025. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and features collaborations with Future, Lil Baby, Hunxho, and Jhené Aiko.

The rollout was delayed several times due to the ongoing legal situation, but the project has been well received by fans and critics alike.

What’s Next for Lil Durk?

With the death penalty now off the table, the case will continue toward trial this fall. Lil Durk’s legal team is preparing for a lengthy battle, and fans will be closely watching the outcome.

For now, the rapper remains behind bars, but his influence on the music scene and the wider debate over rap lyrics in court continues to grow.