In a long-awaited breakthrough in one of hip-hop’s most intriguing mysteries, a man who prosecutors say ordered the 1996 murder of musician Tupac Shakur was arrested and charged with murder on Friday. Investigators have long known Duane “Keffe D” Davis as one of four suspects identified early in the investigation. He is not the suspected gunman, but he was described as the ringleader of the group by officials at a news conference and in court on Friday. If you assist someone in committing a crime, you might be prosecuted for a crime, including murder, in Nevada.
Duane Davis’ public comment rekindled the inquiry
“Duane Davis was the shot caller for this group of individuals that committed this crime,” said Las Vegas police homicide Lt. Jason Johansson, “and he orchestrated the plan that was carried out.”
Davis has stated in interviews and in his 2019 autobiography, “Compton Street Legend,” that he supplied the gun used in the drive-by shooting.
Davis’ public comments, authorities claimed Friday, rekindled the inquiry.
Davis, now 60, was apprehended on a walk near his house on the outskirts of Las Vegas early Friday, just hours before prosecutors announced in court that a Nevada grand jury had indicted the self-described “gangster” on one count of murder with a dangerous weapon. He is scheduled to appear in court next week.
The grand jury also chose to add a gang activity sentencing enhancement to the murder charge, which could add up to 20 years to his sentence if he is convicted.