The Chicago-born rapper, aka Durk Devontay Banks, entered his plea on Thursday (November 14), denying charges that he orchestrated a plot that led to the shooting death of Georgia rapper Quando Rondo’s cousin two years ago. According to Rolling Stone, Durk was sent off to a federal detention centre in Los Angeles, with a trial date set for January 7, 2025, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the US Attorney’s Office.
“Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member,” stated US Attorney Martin Estrada. “Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area. Violent gun crime of this sort is devastating to our community and we will have zero-tolerance for those who perpetrate such callous acts of violence.”
Lil Durk says “not guilty” to accusations that he masterminded a murder-for-hire plot.
Prosecutors want Banks held behind bars until trial, arguing there’s a “serious risk [that the] defendant will flee.” They’re pointing to claims that Banks tried to hop on a private jet before his arrest last month and had conveniently booked one-way tickets to Switzerland and Dubai on the same day.
Authorities allege that the shooting, which claimed the life of Lul Pab, Quando Rondo’s cousin, was payback for the death of the rapper’s friend King Von in 2020. Prosecutors say Lil Durk faces charges including conspiracy and firearms violations, with the potential of a life sentence if convicted. Meanwhile, Quando Rondo has urged for an end to violence, reflecting on the heavy toll of street conflicts and calling for forgiveness and peace within the music community.
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