Grammy-Winning Rapper Lil Durk Faces New Federal Charges
Indictment Accuses Lil Durk of Conspiring to Murder Rival Rapper
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk is facing new federal charges after being named in a superseding indictment in connection with a fatal ambush near Los Angeles’ Beverly Center shopping mall two years ago.
Charges and Allegations
The indictment accuses Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, of conspiring with others to murder a rival rapper, Quando Rondo. Banks is also charged with:
- One count of conspiracy
- One count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death
- One count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death
Background of the Case
Prosecutors said Banks and his associates have had a violent, yearslong feud with Rondo. The case builds on previous charges and now lists Banks as the lead defendant alongside several associates.
Previous Allegations
A previous affidavit alleged that Banks put a bounty on Rondo after a 2020 disagreement with Bowman and his associates resulted in the shooting death of Banks’ friend and collaborator King Von, who was born Dayvon Bennett. Banks supplied a credit card to a friend who then bought a hotel room and masks for the five-man hit squad, as well as supplying weapons and vehicles, prosecutors allege.
Attempt to Cover Up Involvement
Banks, who won his first Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance earlier this year, also allegedly tried to cover up his involvement. A message from his iCloud account told the person who booked the flights to L.A. "don’t book flights under no names involved wit me."
Arrests and Charges
The alleged hit squad was arrested in Chicago in October. They were identified by the DOJ as:
- Kavon London Grant, 28, aka "Cuz" or "Vonnie"
- Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33, aka "DeDe," of Chicago
- Keith Jones, 33, aka "Flacka," of Gary, Indiana
- David Brian Lindsey, 33, aka "Browneyez," of Addison, Illinois
- Asa Houston, 36, aka "Boogie," of Chicago
The five defendants are in federal custody in Illinois after their initial court appearances in Chicago. They are charged with:
- One count of conspiracy
- One count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death
- One count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death
Jones faces an additional count of possession of a machine gun.
Conclusion
All six defendants – none of whom has yet entered a plea to the charges – are expected to be arraigned in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks. If convicted, all the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Lil Durk?
A: Lil Durk is charged with 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: Who is Quando Rondo?
A: Quando Rondo is a rival rapper who was the target of the alleged hit.
Q: What is the background of the case?
A: The case stems from a yearslong feud between Lil Durk and his associates and Quando Rondo.
Q: What is the maximum sentence if convicted?
A: All six defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison if convicted.
