By Ademola Adedoyin (SIWES student, D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
A former gang member, Duane Keefe D Davis, who had previously boasted about his involvement in the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur 25 years ago, has pleaded not guilty in a US court.
He admitted to his role as the on-site commander seeking revenge for an assault on his nephew during the gang feud in Las Vegas, although he wasn’t the one holding the weapon.
During the Las Vegas court hearing, Davis refuted the charges of murder with a deadly weapon and intending to promote or assist a criminal gang.
When asked for his plea, he firmly declared not guilty to District Judge Tierra Jones. It’s worth noting that under Nevada law, even those who aid or abet a murder can be charged with the killing.
However, there is some positive news: Prosecutors have announced that they will not seek the death penalty if Davis is convicted.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson explained that they had discussed the matter and decided against pursuing the death penalty.
Tupac Shakur, the legendary rapper famous for songs like California Love, Changes, and Dear Mama, was tragically shot on September 7, 1996, at the age of 25.
He was associated with Death Row Records, which had connections with the Mob Piru street gang, known for their feud with the South Side Compton Crips.
After Davis’s arrest, prosecutors revealed that the events of that fateful night had been widely known for many years but lacked sufficient evidence to advance the case.
