Murder Charge Stands Against Sole Suspect in 1996 Tupac Shakur Killing

The only individual ever charged in connection with the 1996 murder of rap legend Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas has failed in his attempt to have the case dismissed. Duane “Keffe D” Davis and his legal team argued that he should not face prosecution due to alleged immunity agreements made years ago with federal and local authorities. However, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny ruled on Tuesday that Davis had not provided sufficient proof of such agreements, allowing the case to proceed.

Davis’ attorney, Carl Arnold, contended that the 27-year delay in prosecution constituted an “egregious” violation of his client’s constitutional rights. Despite this argument, Judge Kierny found no evidence of intentional delay on the part of the authorities.

COURT SET FOR LAS VEGAS

Following the ruling, Arnold stated that they would consider appealing the decision to the state Supreme Court in the coming days. Davis’ trial in Las Vegas is currently set for March 17, though it could face delays pending the appeal process. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and remains in custody.

Prosecutors maintain that the case against Davis is strong, citing his own admissions in interviews and his 2019 memoir. Davis, a former gang leader, is accused of orchestrating the shooting near the Las Vegas Strip following a casino altercation involving Shakur and Davis’ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson.

2023 ARREST OF KEEFE D

Originally from Compton, California, Davis was arrested in September 2023 near his Las Vegas residence, nearly three decades after Shakur’s death, a case that remains one of hip-hop’s most enduring mysteries.

Davis is the last surviving suspect linked to the crime. Anderson, who denied any involvement, died in 1998, while two other individuals who were in the car with Anderson and Davis have also passed away.

In his memoir, Davis recounted how he acquired a .40-caliber handgun and handed it to Anderson, who was in the back seat of a vehicle from which shots were fired at Shakur in a separate car. Authorities have pointed to these statements as key evidence in their case against him.