Trial begins for man accused of killing Tupac Shakur

Prosecutors in a Los Angeles criminal case have asserted that former NFL player Duane “Keffe D” Davis served as the “on‑site commander” for the 1996 drive‑by shooting that killed rap icon Tupac Shakur. The indictment, unsealed this week, alleges that Davis coordinated the attack that took place on the night of September 7, 1996, on the intersection of Flamingo Road and Kato Road in Las Vegas, Nevada, and that he directed the gunmen who opened fire on Shakur’s vehicle, leading to the artist’s death six days later.

The charges stem from a renewed investigation into the long‑standing murder, which has remained unsolved for more than two decades. Prosecutors say newly obtained witness statements and forensic evidence link Davis to the planning and execution of the crime, positioning him as the primary organizer on the scene. If convicted, Davis faces a potential life sentence. The case is expected to proceed to trial later this year, marking a significant development in the effort to resolve one of the most high‑profile unsolved homicides in recent American history.