Lil Durk acquitted of all charges in murder-for-hire trial

Lil Durk, born Durk Banks, was found not guilty on all charges on Friday, Sept. 11, at the end of a three-week federal trial in Los Angeles, according to Rolling Stone. Prosecutors had accused the 33-year-old rapper of orchestrating a plot to kill rival Quando Rondo.

The government alleged Banks wanted revenge for the 2020 killing of King Von. In the August 19, 2022 shooting near the Beverly Center, Quando Rondo survived, but his 24-year-old cousin, Saviay'a Robinson, was killed. Defense lawyers argued the cooperating witnesses lied to reduce their own sentences. The jury deliberated for three days. Co-defendants Deandre Wilson and David Lindsey were convicted of stalking-related charges but cleared of murder for hire.

Banks remains in custody ahead of a second trial on racketeering-related charges, set for Oct. 5. According to Stereogum, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said prosecutors look forward to presenting their evidence then.