Thirty years after Tupac Shakur’s killing can a murder trial offer justice?

Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis faces trial on Monday over rap star’s death that marked notorious chapter in hip-hop’s history I n September 1996, rap star Tupac Shakur was gunned down in a drive-by shooting near the Las Vegas strip, succumbing days later to his injuries. His killing, which remained unsolved for decades, gave rise to fervent conspiracy theories and conjecture. Thirty years later, one man is facing trial for the ambush: Duane “Keffe D” Davis. Authorities do not accuse Davis, a former gang leader, of firing the shots that killed Tupac. Rather, prosecutors allege he orchestrated the attack and provided the murder weapon.

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open The Guardian World

Scoop News DeskLas Vegas, Nevada · Published Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2:40 PM UTCUpdated Monday, August 17, 2026 at 7:39 AM UTC

Scoop News reporting summary

The text below was supplied by the Scoop Newsroom app. Third-party reporting is attributed in the source panel.

Opening statements in the trial of Davis, 63, are set to begin on Monday, a long-awaited moment in the case. Kendrick Lesane, Shakur’s cousin, called for justice, telling the Associated Press: “Whoever had anything to do with it, whoever set it up, whoever had any hand in it should be locked up in prison.” Another cousin, William Lesane, espoused Tupac’s enduring legacy, saying to Fox 5 he has been surprised by the rapper’s loyal fan base over the years. “He is dead in the physical form but spiritually Tupac is still alive.” The Associated Press contributed reporting Thirty years after Tupac Shakur’s killing can a murder trial offer justice?

Breaking news moves fast. Follow @Will466513 on X for breaking news alerts. Follow on X →

Story timeline