Suspect in Tupac Death Seeks to Delay Trial, New Witnesses Identified
Defense Team Files Motion for Delay
Attorneys for Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the man suspected of killing rap icon Tupac Shakur, have filed a motion to delay next month’s trial, citing the need for more time to conduct investigative work to ensure a fair trial.
New Witnesses Come Forward
The motion, filed in a Nevada court, provides insight into Davis’ defense, noting that a private investigator has identified witnesses who can testify that he was not at the scene of the 1996 shooting, nor was he in Las Vegas at the time.
Alternative Theories Emerge
The motion also suggests that someone else may have orchestrated the shooting and that witnesses who could testify on the matter are being interviewed.
Reasons for Delay
The defense team, led by attorney Carl Arnold, stated that the new developments and the need to interview key witnesses necessitate a delay. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the timing of the trial, currently set to begin in March.
“This case involves decades-old allegations, and with every new piece of evidence, it becomes increasingly clear that critical facts have yet to be fully examined,” said Arnold.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
On the night of September 7, 1996, Shakur was in a BMW being driven by Death Row Records founder Marion “Suge” Knight. They were waiting at a red light when a white Cadillac pulled up next to them and gunfire erupted.
Prosecution’s Case
Davis, an ex-gang leader who is accused of orchestrating Shakur’s killing near the Las Vegas Strip, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and has been jailed since his September 2023 arrest.
Immunity Agreements
Arnold has argued that Davis never should have been charged because of immunity agreements that Davis says he reached years ago with federal and local prosecutors while living in California.
Prosecution’s Response
Prosecutors have said any immunity agreement was limited and they have strong evidence against Davis, including his own accounts of the shooting in the tell-all memoir “Compton Street Legend.”
Concealed Evidence?
Defense attorneys also say they have witness information indicating that Shakur was in stable condition after the shooting and that he died suddenly after being hospitalized for a week. They are consulting medical and forensic experts to evaluate potential alternative causes of death.
Conclusion
The motion to delay the trial is a significant development in the case, which has spanned decades. The new evidence and alternative theories presented by the defense team may raise questions about the prosecution’s case.
FAQs
* What is the current status of the trial?
The trial is currently set to begin in March, but the defense team has filed a motion to delay it.
* What is the defense’s argument for delaying the trial?
The defense team is arguing that more time is needed to conduct investigative work and interview key witnesses to ensure a fair trial.
* What new evidence has been uncovered?
A private investigator has identified witnesses who can testify that Davis was not at the scene of the 1996 shooting, nor was he in Las Vegas at the time, and that someone else may have orchestrated the shooting.
