Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis sentenced 40 years to life for Tupac Shakur’s murder decades later
The murder remained unsolved for decades until Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips, discussed his role in media interviews and detailed it in his 2019 tell-all memoir
Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for organizing the fatal shooting of rap icon Tupac Shakur.
The 63-year-old was found guilty in August of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon.
He remains the only person ever charged over the death of Shakur, who was killed at the peak of his career at age 25.
Davis faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutor Marc DiGiacomo told the court that whatever penalty was handed down, Davis is "guaranteed to die" behind bars.
"It’s not just about losing a family member," DiGiacomo said as Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, nodded in agreement from the gallery.
The murder remained unsolved for decades until Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips, discussed his role in media interviews and detailed it in his 2019 tell-all memoir.
DiGiacomo argued that Davis tried to profit from a homicide he committed, making him undeserving of a minimum sentence.
"In my mind he deserves the maximum possible sentence," DiGiacomo said.
Speaking briefly to Judge Carli Kierny, Davis requested the return of items seized from his home by police, including his photographs. Asked if he had further comments, Davis answered: "No I’m good."
Defense lawyer Michael Sanft signaled plans to appeal, arguing prosecutors waited too long to bring the case.
On the night of Sept. 7, 1996, Shakur was riding in a black BMW with music executive Marion "Suge" Knight when a white Cadillac drew up alongside them at a red light and opened fire. Shakur was shot multiple times and died six days later, while Knight survived.
Shakur is widely regarded as one of the most influential and dynamic rappers of all time, with a burgeoning acting career at the time of his death. His cultural influence has only grown since, with lyrics tackling themes of hardship, love, and Black struggles continuing to resonate with listeners.
In his memoir, Davis detailed how Shakur and his entourage beat up his nephew hours before the Las Vegas attack. Seeking revenge, Davis took the front passenger seat of the Cadillac and handed the weapon to the back seat, where the fatal shots were fired. Davis had spoken to detectives years earlier but avoided prosecution through a law enforcement agreement.
During the trial, prosecutors relied on Davis' past statements to police and filmmakers, arguing he coordinated the ambush and provided the weapon during a feud between the South Side Compton Crips and Mob Piru. The defense stressed the lack of physical evidence linking Davis to the 30-year-old crime, framing him as a liar aiming to make money.
Jurors deliberated for three hours after nine days of testimony in August before returning the guilty verdict.
