The jury in Lil Durk’s murder-for-hire trial began Day 3 of deliberations Friday in Los Angeles after failing to reach a verdict over the previous two days. The 33-year-old rapper, born Durk Banks, faces life in federal prison if convicted on five counts, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death and stalking resulting in death. Deliberations began Wednesday after closing arguments wrapped, but jurors left the courthouse Thursday without a decision.
The jury sent two notes to U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald on Thursday morning seeking clarification. The first asked for verification of jury instructions on the two counts of conspiracy to commit stalking. The second concerned the legal definition of “intent” in the charges. Both sides agreed no additional instruction was needed, and the original instructions were read aloud. The jury had also requested digital copies of evidence admitted during the trial, including messages, photographs, and video materials.
Prosecutors allege Durk orchestrated a 2022 shooting targeting rival rapper Quando Rondo as revenge for the 2020 killing of his friend King Von. The attack near the Beverly Center missed Rondo but killed his 24-year-old cousin, Saviay’a Robinson. The case rests heavily on testimony from three cooperating witnesses, including former associates who admitted roles in the shooting and said Durk financed the operation. Defense attorneys have called the witnesses “snitches” and “rats,” arguing they lied to secure lighter sentences, while prosecutors say Durk was “consumed with revenge”.
