U.S. authorities have arrested an ex-gang leader in connection with the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, marking a significant development in a case that has long captivated audiences.
The iconic New York rapper was tragically gunned down at 25 during a drive-by incident in Las Vegas.
This Friday, Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 60, was indicted by a Nevada grand jury on charges of murder involving a deadly weapon.
The arrest stems from allegations that Davis orchestrated the fatal shooting following a casino altercation involving his nephew and Shakur.
Davis was apprehended near his residence in Las Vegas and is expected to face the court soon. His arrest photo has been released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
Retired detective Greg Kading, who dedicated years to probing Shakur’s death, expressed to the Associated Press that Davis’s arrest didn’t surprise him. He referred to Davis as the “last man standing” in this case since all other direct conspirators have passed away.
In the courtroom, prosecutor Marc DiaGiacomo labeled Davis, once a prominent figure in the South Side Compton Crips gang, as the mastermind who “ordered the death” of Shakur.
During a subsequent press briefing, officer Jason Johansson credited the department’s relentless pursuit of the case for the recent breakthrough. He highlighted a prior altercation between Shakur and Orlando Anderson, Davis’s deceased nephew, as the catalyst for the subsequent drive-by shooting that took Shakur’s life.
Johansson presented security footage from a hotel showing Anderson being assaulted, suggesting this altercation led to Shakur’s targeted shooting.
He emphasized the gang-related nature of the crime and mentioned that the case had undergone multiple reviews. A resurgence in the investigation occurred in 2018 when fresh details emerged.
Johansson also pointed to Davis’s own public acknowledgments that he was present in the car from which the fatal shots were fired.
An emotional Sheriff Kevin McMahill expressed during the press conference that Shakur’s family has awaited justice for nearly three decades. He emphasized the department’s commitment to solving the case, contrary to some public perceptions.
Shakur, often referred to as 2Pac, launched his first album in 1991 and quickly rose to prominence in the hip-hop world. His untimely death led to numerous documentaries. With over 75 million records sold globally, he left behind hits like California Love, All Eyez On Me, and Changes. Additionally, Shakur showcased his acting talents in movies such as Juice, Poetic Justice, and Above The Rim.