Lil Durk’s federal murder-for-hire trial began in Los Angeles with prosecutors alleging he ordered members of his Only the Family crew to kill rapper Quando Rondo in revenge for King Von’s 2020 death. Rondo survived the 2022 shooting, but a bystander known as Lul Pab was killed; Durk denies involvement, while his lawyers argue a cooperating witness was the true organiser and is blaming him to secure leniency.

The first week featured surveillance footage, messages Durk sent after Von’s death and an unreleased video prosecutors say shows his alleged motive, though the defence described his music as artistic expression. Former OTF member Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester, who admitted taking part in the attack, called it “sloppy” and said Durk had offered a large reward, allegedly unpaid; Hester said he instead received $10,000 to record a song with Durk. Two alleged participants, David Lindsey and Deandre Wilson, are also on trial.