Grammy-winning US rapper Lil Durk acquitted in murder-for-hire trial
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk has been acquitted of murder-for-hire charges in a federal trial regarding a 2022 shooting. Despite this verdict, he remains in custody as he faces a separate upcoming trial for racketeering and murder charges.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of high-profile celebrity culture and serious criminal allegations, drawing significant public and legal attention.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Lil Durk holding the Grammy Award he won for best melodic rap performance in 2024
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk was acquitted on Friday of all charges in a federal murder-for-hire case accusing him of orchestrating the revenge killing of a man shot dead in a daytime ambush in Los Angeles four years ago.
The Chicago rapper was arrested in 2024 and accused of involvement in a shooting that killed the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo.
Defence lawyer Drew Findling said the recording artist, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was "thankful" following the verdict.
Lil Durk has had seven albums in the US Billboard chart's top five since 2019 and has also collaborated with stars including Drake and J Cole on hit singles.
Supporters cheered outside a Los Angeles courthouse after the verdict, which came following three days of jury deliberations.
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