Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Tupac Shakur Murder Defense Calls Defendant’s Admissions “Bullshit”
Duane Davis is accused of helping arrange the shooting death of rapper Tupac Shakur.
Shakur was killed near the Las Vegas Strip in 1996.
Davis was arrested 27 years later.
Police say he made statements in interviews and a book about being in the car with the shooters.
Davis has pleaded not guilty.
His lawyer told the jury that Davis’ earlier statements were “bullshit” and might have been made to sell books.
The defense must now explain why Davis made those statements.
The jury will decide whether his story is true and whether prosecutors have proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Duane “Keffe D” Davis is on trial for allegedly orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing.
Davis has pleaded not guilty and was arrested 27 years after Shakur’s death.
Prosecutors rely partly on Davis’ interviews and 2019 book describing his role in the shooting.
Davis’ lawyer told jurors his client’s statements were unsupported and should not be taken seriously.
The trial could last up to six weeks, with jurors deciding whether Davis’ account is truthful.
- Who
- Duane “Keffe D” Davis is accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s killing; Shakur’s relatives are attending the trial.
- What
- Davis is on trial for murder and has pleaded not guilty; his defense is challenging his public admissions.
- When
- Shakur was killed in 1996; Davis was arrested 27 years later, and the trial was reported on Aug. 20.
- Where
- The killing occurred near the Las Vegas Strip, and the trial is taking place in Nevada.
- Why
- Police say Davis’ interviews and 2019 book provided evidence linking him to the shooting, while his lawyer argues the statements are unsupported.
Defense position
Prosecution case
Davis’ public statements
Defense position
Davis’ lawyer says there are no supporting facts for the statements in Davis’ interviews or book and characterized them as “bullshit.”
Prosecution case
Police say Davis described riding in a Cadillac with Shakur’s assailants and handing a gun to men in the backseat.
Davis’ role in the killing
Defense position
The defense is challenging whether Davis’ own account proves he participated in the crime.
Prosecution case
Police described Davis as the “mastermind” who obtained the gun; Nevada law allows a murder charge for participating without personally firing the weapon.
Davis’ possible testimony
Defense position
Testifying could allow Davis to explain why his current account differs from his earlier statements.
Prosecution case
Defense lawyers say prosecutors could aggressively question Davis about changing his story while facing trial.
- Defendant
- Duane “Keffe D” Davis
- Victim
- Tupac Shakur
- Charge
- Murder
- Plea
- Not guilty
- Arrest timing
- 27 years after Shakur’s death
- Key evidence
- Davis’ media interviews and 2019 book
- Expected trial length
- Up to six weeks