Lil Durk Is Going to Trial on Murder-for-Hire Charges. Here’s What to Know About the Case

Chicago rapper Lil Durk is heading to trial in a Los Angeles federal court on murder-for-hire charges, with jury selection beginning on 20 August. Prosecutors allege he ordered members of his Only the Family (OTF) crew to kill rival rapper Quando Rondo in revenge for the 2020 murder of his close collaborator King Von; Rondo survived a 2022 shooting at a Los Angeles petrol station, but bystander Lul Pab was killed. Durk, who was not in Los Angeles at the time, denies putting out a bounty and insists prosecutors lack solid evidence, leaving the case in the hands of a jury.

Durk, real name Durk Banks, is being defended by a high-profile legal team including Drew Findling and Brian Steel, who have previously represented Diddy, Young Thug and Cardi B. He stands trial alongside alleged accomplices Deandre "OTF Dede" Wilson and David "Browneyez" Lindsey, with the case expected to run several weeks. Evidence will include surveillance footage, incriminating text messages, and lyrics and videos from three of Durk's hit songs, which prosecutors say reveal his motive — a controversial practice given ongoing debate over using rap lyrics in court. Several co-conspirators, including Kacey "OTF Jam" Hester and Kavon "Vonnie" Grant, are expected to testify for the prosecution in exchange for leniency, though it remains unclear whether Durk himself will take the stand.