Former gang leader convicted in 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur

Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Wednesday that Duane “Keffe D” Davis was found guilty of first‑degree murder for the 1996 drive‑by shooting that killed rap icon Tupac Shakur. The verdict, delivered after a six‑week trial, marks the first conviction in the case that has remained unsolved for three decades. Davis, a former associate of the late artist, faced a jury that heard testimony from former gang members, forensic experts and law‑enforcement officials who linked him to the weapon and the vehicle used in the attack.

The court sentenced Davis to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, citing the premeditated nature of the crime and the enduring impact on Shakur’s family and the broader music community. Prosecutors highlighted newly obtained cellphone records and a confidential informant’s statements that placed Davis at the scene, while the defense argued insufficient direct evidence. The conviction closes a long‑standing chapter in a high‑profile case that has drawn national attention and spurred numerous investigations over the years.