After just over two weeks, the trial of Chicago rapper Lil Durk for murder-for-hire charges has ended with a verdict of not guilty on all counts.
On Friday (September 11), following three days of deliberation, a Los Angeles jury delivered the not guilty verdict for the 33-year-old artist at 8 p.m. ET.
However, co-defendants Deandre Dontrell Wilson (OTF Dede) and David Brian Lindsey (Browneyez) were found guilty on charges related to stalking and conspiracy to stalk, but cleared of the murder-for-hire accusation.
Despite his acquittal, Lil Durk remains in jail due to an upcoming RICO trial. The emotional moment when the verdict was announced reportedly moved Durk to tears as his wife, India Royale, comforted his mother seated nearby.
The jury’s decision followed extensive deliberation, including a request on the first day for digital versions of all evidence. On the following day, they sought clarification on jury instructions regarding the conspiracy to commit stalking and the legal definition of “intent.”
Deliberations included five counts: conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking Quando Rondo with a dangerous weapon, stalking resulting in Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson’s death, conspiracy to use interstate commerce for murder-for-hire leading to Pab’s death, and the direct use of interstate commerce facilities for the murder-for-hire act causing Pab’s death.
Lil Durk was taken into custody on October 17, 2024, in South Florida, accused of orchestrating an attack intending to kill Quando Rondo in 2022. Although Rondo was not struck, his cousin Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson died in the incident. Prosecutors argued this was retaliation for King Von’s November 2020 murder in Atlanta by Rondo’s associate, Timothy “Lul Timm” Leeks.
Alongside Wilson and Lindsey, co-defendants included Asa Houston (OTF Boogie), Kavon Grant (OTF Vonnie), and Keith “Flacka” Jones—all integral to the prosecution’s storyline. Testimonies from cooperating witnesses like Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester were pivotal against Durk, with Houston’s trial set separately.
Defense efforts by Banks’ attorney Marissa Goldberg highlighted co-defendant Vonnie’s role as the primary orchestrator, having pled guilty and turned state’s witness against Lil Durk.
Throughout the trial, public support was evident as fans and close associates including his father Durk Banks Sr., G Herbo, Dreezy, Doodie Lo, MGK, and Durk’s wife India Royale were present in court.
