Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, is set to face trial Thursday in a Los Angeles federal court over allegations that he orchestrated a 2022 murder for hire plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo.
Prosecutors allege Banks arranged the attack after the 2020 death of his close friend and fellow OTF member Dayvon “King Von” Bennett at an Atlanta nightclub.
Court papers say Banks and five associates traveled to Los Angeles after learning Bowman was staying at a local hotel. The alleged attackers later tracked Bowman to a gas station on Beverly Boulevard.
Prosecutors say two vehicles were used during the operation and at least 18 rounds were fired at Bowman’s vehicle. Bowman survived, but his cousin, known as Lul Pab, was killed.
Banks, 33, has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder in aid of racketeering, stalking resulting in death, conspiracy counts and a firearms offense.
He was arrested near Miami International Airport on Oct. 17, 2024, as authorities said he was attempting to leave the country.
US District Judge Michael Fitzgerald has largely rejected defense efforts to suppress or exclude government evidence.
Prosecutors are expected to present music, interviews, photographs, social media material and cellphone evidence.
The judge also allowed prosecutors to show Banks’ 2021 music video “Pissed Me Off,” which prosecutors say contains lyrics relevant to their case.
Ahead of jury selection, Banks’ father, Dontay Banks, asked supporters on social media to pray for the rapper and his co-defendants, expressing confidence in the defense.
Prosecutors expect to take 11 to 13 days to present their case. If convicted on all counts, Banks would face a mandatory life term in federal prison.
