Published at 2:56 PM, February 18, 2025
LAS VEGAS (AP)– A Nevada judge on Tuesday held off the murder trial of the only suspect ever charged in the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur for almost a year, stating she had actually little option offered brand-new advancements provided by his defense lawyer and the requirement to guarantee a reasonable trial.
Duane” Keffe D”Davis, left, appears in District Court for his participation in the 1996 killing of rap artist Tupac Shakur Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Las Vegas.(AP Photo/John Locher, Pool)
The trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, formerly set for next month in Las Vegas, has actually been rescheduled for Feb. 9, 2026. The judge purchased district attorneys and the defense to go back to court over the summertime for a status hearing.
“It appears like there are many things that are delegated be done to get this case prepared so that Mr. Davis can have efficient help of counsel,” Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny stated throughout a brief hearing.
When asked by the judge if he was okay with moving the trial that far out, Davis concurred.
Davis’ defense group submitted a movement Friday looking for more time, stating crucial investigative work needed to be done and witnesses required to be spoken with to guarantee he gets a reasonable trial. The attorneys stated a private detective determined witnesses who can affirm that Davis was not at the scene of the shooting.
Lawyer Carl Arnold, who is leading the defense, stated the case includes decades-old claims and crucial realities have yet to be totally taken a look at.
On the night of Sept. 7, 1996, Shakur remained in a BMW being driven by Death Row Records creator Marion “Suge” Knight. They were waiting at a traffic signal when a white Cadillac brought up beside them and shooting appeared.
Davis, an ex-gang leader who is implicated of managing Shakur’s killing near the Las Vegas Strip, has actually pleaded innocent to first-degree murder and has actually been imprisoned given that his September 2023 arrest.
SUBMIT– Rapper Tupac Shakur participates in a citizen registration occasion in South Central Los Angeles, Aug. 15, 1996. Authorities in Nevada verified Tuesday, July 18, 2023, that they served a search warrant today in connection with the long-unsolved killing of the late rap artist Shakur. (AP Photo/Frank Wiese, File)
Davis has actually acknowledged in interviews and in his tell-all narrative that he offered the weapon utilized in the drive-by shooting which he remained in the cars and truck. His court filings state his descriptions in current years of managing the shooting were “done for home entertainment functions and to make cash.”
Arnold has actually argued that Davis never ever ought to have been charged since of resistance arrangements that Davis states he reached years ago with federal and regional district attorneys while residing in California.
District attorneys disagree, stating they have strong proof versus Davis and any resistance contract was restricted.
Defense lawyer likewise are raising concerns about the way of Shakur’s death, stating they have witness info showing that he remained in steady condition after the shooting and dropped dead after being hospitalized for a week. They wish to speak with medical and forensic specialists to examine possible alternative causes of death.
