Lil Durk’s Murder-for-Hire Trial Begins in Los Angeles, Rapper Faces Life in Prison

Lil Durk goes on trial Thursday. The Grammy-winning rapper faces murder-for-hire charges in a Los Angeles federal court.

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Prosecutors accuse the 33-year-old, born Durk Banks, of orchestrating a hit on Atlanta rapper Quando Rondo. The alleged target’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, was killed in the 2022 shooting, which authorities claim stemmed from a revenge plot over the 2020 death of the Chicago star’s close friend King Von.

Banks traveled with a crew from Chicago to Los Angeles in August 2022. Prosecutors allege members of the group tracked the intended target before firing at least 18 rounds at a gas station near the Beverly Center. Robinson, who was inside the vehicle, died in the attack.

The Hip-Hop star has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. A conviction carries a mandatory life sentence.

The trial begins with two co-defendants, with prosecutors expected to present evidence including music, YouTube interviews, and cell phone photos. Judge Michael Fitzgerald has also ruled that the prosecution can show the rapper’s 2021 ‘Pissed Me Off’ music video, which authorities say speaks to their theory of revenge.

The FBI arrested Banks in October 2024 near Miami International Airport, with prosecutors alleging he was attempting to leave the country.