Lil Durk Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges in Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy
Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges stemming from an alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy that resulted in a man’s death near the Beverly Center two years ago.
Charges and Plea
Banks, 32, 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 US Department of Justice.
Arrest and Detention
Banks was arrested on October 17 near Miami International Airport after law enforcement learned that he had been booked on multiple international flights. He is currently being held at the federal lockup downtown without bond, pending a detention hearing on December 12.
Case Details
Banks is accused of putting a bounty on the life of Tyquian Bowman, a Georgia rapper known as Quando Rondo, after an associate of Bowman killed a close friend of Banks’ two years earlier at a nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia. 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.
Indictment and Co-Conspirators
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 (OTF). The five remaining defendants are expected to be arraigned in federal court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
Timeline of Events
Around August 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. Members and associates of OTF allegedly used two vehicles and worked in tandem to track, stalk, and attempt to murder Bowman at a gas station. 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.
Conclusion
Lil Durk’s plea not guilty to federal charges is just the beginning of this ongoing case. The allegations against him are serious and could have severe consequences. It remains to be seen how this case will play out, but one thing is clear: the music industry will be watching closely.
FAQs
Q: What is Lil Durk accused of?
A: Lil Durk is accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire conspiracy that resulted in a man’s death near the Beverly Center two years ago.
Q: Who is Tyquian Bowman?
A: Tyquian Bowman is a Georgia rapper known as Quando Rondo who was the intended target of the alleged murder-for-hire plot.
Q: What is Only the Family (OTF)?
A: Only the Family (OTF) is a rap collective that Lil Durk is a part of, and five alleged members and associates of the collective are also charged in the case.
Q: What is the potential punishment for these charges?
A: The potential punishment for these charges could be severe, including life imprisonment.
