Grammy-winning Chicago rapper Lil Durk has been found not guilty on all charges in his high-profile federal murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles, delivering a major legal victory for the hip-hop star after nearly two years of uncertainty.
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, had been accused by federal prosecutors of financing and directing a 2022 attack intended to target rapper Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman. The shooting took place near the Beverly Center in Los Angeles and resulted in the death of Bowman’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, also known as Lul Pab.
Prosecutors argued that the alleged attack was retaliation for the 2020 killing of Durk’s close friend and fellow Chicago rapper King Von. They claimed members and associates connected to Durk’s Only the Family (OTF) tracked Bowman before the deadly shooting.
However, Durk’s defense team strongly challenged the government’s case, arguing that the plot was carried out without the rapper’s knowledge. The defense also questioned the credibility of witnesses who had reached plea agreements with prosecutors.
After three days of deliberations, the federal jury cleared Durk of conspiracy, stalking resulting in death, and murder-for-hire charges. Two co-defendants were also acquitted of the central murder-for-hire allegations, although they were convicted on lesser stalking-related charges.
The trial drew major attention from the entertainment world, with celebrities including Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and Machine Gun Kelly appearing during the proceedings. Supporters also gathered outside the courthouse and celebrated following the verdict.
Despite the acquittal, Durk is not walking free just yet. The rapper remains in federal custody because he faces a separate racketeering case involving murder-related and firearms allegations. That trial is currently scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
For Lil Durk and his fans, the acquittal marks a significant victory, but his legal battles are far from over. All eyes will now turn to his upcoming federal trial as one of hip-hop’s biggest stars continues fighting for his freedom.
