Lil Durk Pleads Not Guilty in LA Murder Conspiracy Case
Grammy-Winning Rapper Faces Federal Charges
Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Durk pleaded not guilty Thursday in downtown Los Angeles to federal charges stemming from an alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy near the Beverly Center two years ago.
The Charges
The 32-year-old Chicago rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks, entered his plea to federal charges of conspiracy, use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Judgment and Detention Hearing
U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue ordered Banks jailed without bond, pending a detention hearing on Dec. 12. A status conference was also set for Nov. 25 before the federal judge that will be overseeing the case. A tentative trial date of Jan. 7 was also scheduled but is expected to be postponed.
The Investigation
Banks is being held at the federal lockup downtown. The rapper was arrested Oct. 17 near Miami International Airport after law enforcement learned that he had been booked on multiple international flights.
The Alleged Conspiracy
An updated indictment filed in Los Angeles federal court names Banks as the lead defendant in a case that also charges five alleged members and associates of his rap collective — known as Only the Family, or OTF. Banks is accused of putting a bounty on the life of Tyquian Bowman, a Georgia rapper known as Quando Rondo. The alleged hit team of OTF members traveled from Chicago to kill Bowman, but a botched ambush near the Beverly Center shopping mall resulted in the death of one of Bowman’s relatives who was traveling with him, according to the DOJ.
The Case Against Banks
Prosecutors contend that Banks put the bounty on Bowman after an associate of Bowman killed a close friend of Banks’ two years earlier at a nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia. Around Aug. 18, 2022, the alleged conspirators learned that Bowman was staying at a hotel in Los Angeles. The next day, Banks’ five friends traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles “for the purpose of murdering” Bowman, federal prosecutors allege.
Bounty and the Ambush
Members and associates of OTF allegedly used two vehicles and worked in tandem to track, stalk, and attempt to murder Bowman at the gas station, according to court papers. The co-conspirators fired at least 18 rounds at Bowman’s vehicle, striking and killing one of Bowman’s family members who was traveling with the intended target, the DOJ alleges.
The Superseding Indictment
The 19-page superseding indictment charges Banks and five others — Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston — with crimes arising from the murder, including murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death.
Lil Durk’s Response
Banks, meanwhile, stayed at a rented home in Encino, the document says. The rapper won a Grammy earlier this year for best melodic rap performance. His albums “The Voice” and “7220” both sold more than 1 million copies each. A new Lil Durk album, his ninth studio album, is scheduled to be released on Nov. 22.
Conclusion
The case against Lil Durk and his co-defendants is ongoing, with a status conference set for Nov. 25 and a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 12.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Lil Durk?
A: Lil Durk faces federal charges of conspiracy, use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.
Q: What is the alleged motive behind the murder?
A: Prosecutors contend that Lil Durk put the bounty on Bowman after an associate of Bowman killed a close friend of Banks’ two years earlier at a nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia.
Q: What is the status of the case?
A: A status conference is set for Nov. 25 and a detention hearing is scheduled for Dec. 12. A tentative trial date of Jan. 7 has been set, but it is expected to be postponed.
