Arrest Made in 1996 Murder of Rapper Tupac Shakur: What You Need to Know

In a significant development that has captured the attention of those interested in law and crime, an arrest has been made in the 1996 murder of iconic rapper Tupac Shakur. Duane Keith Davis, a 60-year-old man also known as “Keefe D,” has been indicted and is awaiting trial.

Background on Tupac Shakur's Murder

The Iconic Rapper and His Untimely Death

Tupac Shakur was a monumental figure in the music industry, particularly in the rap genre. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot multiple times in Las Vegas and died six days later, leaving a void in the music world and a mystery that has puzzled investigators for decades.

Initial Investigations and Suspects

In the immediate aftermath of Shakur's murder, several suspects were considered, but none were charged. The case went cold, leaving fans and the legal community questioning if justice would ever be served.

The Arrest of Duane Keith Davis

Charges and Indictment

Duane Keith Davis has been indicted by a grand jury on a charge of open murder with a deadly weapon, which includes a gang enhancement. This arrest was announced by Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson and the Las Vegas Metro Police Department.

Davis's Role in the Crime

Davis is described as the “shot-caller” for the group that committed the crime. He had previously told detectives that his nephew, Orlando Anderson, shot Shakur. Anderson, however, was killed in 1997 and cannot be prosecuted.

The Investigation

Evidence Collected

Last month, a search warrant was executed on Davis's home, where officers seized electronic devices, a magazine with Shakur on the cover, and .40 caliber ammunition. Shakur was shot with .40 caliber bullets, but it is not clear if the rounds found in Davis's home are the same used in the murder.

Involvement of Other Suspects

Orlando Anderson, the suspected shooter according to Davis, was killed in 1997. This leaves Davis as the only living suspect related to the investigation.

Latest Court Proceedings

Upcoming Court Dates

Davis is set to appear in court in the next few days for a hearing to determine his custody status and to set a jury trial date.

Legal Implications

Under Nevada law, even if Davis was not the one who shot Shakur, he can still be charged with murder due to the state's aiding and abetting statute.

Upcoming Court Appearance

Davis is currently being held without bail and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday for his arraignment. This development could be a pivotal moment in the case, potentially setting the stage for a trial that has been more than two decades in the making.

Public Statements and Legal Implications

Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGiacomo disclosed during the grand jury return hearing that Davis's public statements had implicated him in the crime. Davis had allegedly ordered Shakur's death, adding another layer of complexity to the case. Former Clark County prosecutor Thomas Moskal commented on the challenges of prosecuting an older case, stating, “Witnesses go missing, they leave, they die, their memories fade. Evidence isn't preserved.”

New Developments in the Investigation

Case Reinvigorated in 2018

The case was reinvigorated in 2018 when Davis made admissions to his involvement in various media outlets. This led to another look at his claims by law enforcement in Las Vegas.

Police Strategy

The police department has been methodically building this case to move forward with an arrest and is also working to build a successful prosecution.

New Insights from Law Enforcement

During a recent news conference, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Jason Johansson stated, “Ultimately, our persistence in this investigation paid off.” He revealed that the police had substantial information about the crime but lacked the necessary evidence for an arrest until recently. This breakthrough led to the indictment of Duane “Keffe D” Davis by a Clark County grand jury on a charge of murder with a deadly weapon, enhanced by gang involvement.

Information on Duane Keith Davis and P. Diddy (Sean Combs)

Duane Keith “Keffe D” Davis has made statements implicating Sean “Diddy” Combs in the murder of Tupac Shakur. According to an LA Weekly article, Davis claimed that Combs offered him $1 million to kill Tupac Shakur and his manager, Suge Knight. Davis stated that he was introduced to Combs through another Crip gang member named “Zip,” and that the deal was discussed at a concert in Anaheim and at Greenblatts Deli on the Sunset Strip. Davis also mentioned that he lent his car to Combs for use in Usher's first music video, which helped him get on Combs' good side.

Davis further elaborated that the animosity between Bad Boy Entertainment (owned by Combs) and Death Row Records began to fester around the time of an award show. He claimed that Combs was motivated by fear that the other side would strike first, especially after Tupac Shakur released the song “Hit ‘Em Up,” which angered Combs.

Linking with Bad Boy Records

The article also touches upon the animosity between Bad Boy Entertainment and Death Row Records. Davis stated that Combs was “scared shitless” of Suge Knight and would only stay in Los Angeles if Knight was not in town. However, it does not provide specific details linking Davis directly to Bad Boy Records.

Family and Public Reaction

Shakur Family's Statement

The Shakur family has been in touch with the District Attorney's office and is welcoming this news.

Public Interest and Legal Implications

This case has garnered significant public interest, especially among those keen on law and crime. The arrest could serve as a precedent in how cold cases linked to high-profile individuals are handled.