Famous rapper Lil Durk, known for songs like All My Life, appeared in court on Thursday as his lawyers tried to fight serious charges against him. He is accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot connected to a 2022 shooting. Despite his lawyers’ efforts, a judge decided he should remain in custody, saying he could be dangerous to the community.
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was arrested in October in Miami. Prosecutors claim he planned the killing of a rival rapper, Quando Rondo (real name Tyquian Terrel Bowman). They say Banks ordered the attack after a friend of his was killed. The shooting took place in Los Angeles and resulted in the death of Quando Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson.
Durk’s lawyers told the court that he is a dedicated family man, talented musician, and someone who gives back to his community. They said he has eight children, a wife, and close family ties. To support their request for his release, they offered a plan that included:
- $3.3 million in bail money (cash and property combined)
- Electronic monitoring to track his location
- 24-hour security at a secure property
- Giving up all electronic devices
The lawyers also argued that Durk did not organize the shooting and was not trying to run away when he was arrested. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue disagreed, saying the evidence showed he could pose a danger to others.
She explained:
“The allegations are not that he pulled the trigger, but that he had significant control over what happened.”
One important part of the case involves a rap song where prosecutors claim Durk talked about the shooting. They say the song included a sound clip of Quando Rondo crying out after his cousin was killed.
However, Durk’s lawyer said this wasn’t true. He showed evidence that the song was actually written and recorded months before the shooting happened.
“The song was recorded in January 2022, but the shooting happened in August 2022,” the lawyer explained.
When Durk was arrested, authorities said he was trying to leave the country. FBI agents reported that he had booked one-way flights to Switzerland, Dubai, and Italy. However, his lawyer said this wasn’t suspicious.
The lawyer explained that Durk often travels to Dubai for his music career and because of his Muslim faith. He also said Durk switched to a private jet because the other flights had too many stops and were uncomfortable.
Prosecutors claim that in August 2022, Durk ordered a group of men to travel to Los Angeles and attack Quando Rondo. They say the men followed him for hours in two cars before shooting at his vehicle near a gas station.
During the shooting, Quando Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, was killed. Prosecutors also allege that one of Durk’s co-defendants used his credit card to pay for hotel rooms and bought ski masks for the attackers.
The trial for the case is scheduled to start in January, though it might be delayed. For now, Durk will stay in custody. His lawyers say they will keep fighting to prove his innocence.
One of his lawyers said after the hearing:
“He’s strong, and we will keep working to clear his name.”
This case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what evidence will be presented in court.
