Blab News
Lil Durk Acquitted of Murder-for-Hire Charges in Los Angeles Federal Trial
A Los Angeles federal jury has cleared Chicago drill star Lil Durk of all murder‑for‑hire charges, a verdict that could reshape the rapper’s future and the federal investigation into violent activity linked to his label, Only the Family (OTF).
On Friday, September 11, 2026, the jury found 33‑year‑old Devontay Banks—known onstage as Lil Durk—not guilty on every count in a case that began with an August 2022 shooting outside the Beverly Center. The decision followed three days of deliberations in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
The trial centered on the death of 24‑year‑old Saviay’a Robinson, a cousin of Atlanta rapper Tyquian Bowman, who performs as Quando Rondo. Prosecutors alleged that Banks orchestrated a hit on Bowman as retaliation for the 2020 murder of Banks’ close friend, Dayvon “King Von” Bennett. The alleged plot, they said, was carried out by a crew of OTF associates and culminated in Robinson’s fatal shooting on August 19, 2022.
Banks entered a not‑guilty plea, and his defense argued that the true mastermind was former personal assistant Kavon Grant. The team presented evidence that Grant had set up the intended killing, a claim that the jury ultimately rejected. Three other defendants—Deandre Dontrell Wilson, David Brian Lindsey, and an unnamed co‑defendant—were charged with conspiracy, stalking and murder‑for‑hire. Wilson and Lindsey were convicted of stalking and conspiracy to stalk but were acquitted of the murder‑for‑hire charges.
During the proceedings, jurors weighed evidence that Banks funneled money from his own accounts and OTF‑related ventures into the conspiracy. Prosecutors linked the plot to a broader pattern of violence, citing Banks’ alleged involvement in other murders and attempted killings, including the January 2022 slaying of Stephon Mack, a member of the rival Gangster Disciples. The defense maintained that the evidence failed to prove Banks’ direct participation.
The verdict was delivered in a packed downtown Los Angeles courtroom, where a group of Lil Durk fans gathered outside to celebrate. Brian Steel, the rapper’s lead attorney, said the decision was a relief and that the charges had been dismissed.
Despite the acquittal, Banks remains in federal custody. A second trial, set for next month, will tackle additional federal counts of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering and firearms offenses. Court filings indicate that a conviction on those charges could carry a life sentence.
Banks’ acquittal follows his October 2024 arrest on a separate conspiracy to commit murder‑for‑hire charge involving Quando Rondo. The forthcoming trial will determine whether the racketeering and firearms allegations hold up.
The case has attracted attention from the music community and the public at large. Banks, who won a Grammy in 2024 for his single “All My Life” featuring J. Cole, is a key figure in the Chicago drill scene. The outcome of the pending trial will have profound implications for his career and for the federal probe into violent activity tied to OTF.
At present, Banks is still held in federal custody while awaiting the next trial. The court has yet to set a definitive date for the racketeering and firearms case, but officials say proceedings will begin in the coming weeks. The legal outcome will decide whether Banks faces a potential life sentence or remains free pending trial.
Los Angeles federal court will resume the racketeering and firearms case next month. Until then, Banks’ legal team is preparing for the next phase, while the music industry watches closely to see how the outcome will affect his future projects and public image.
On Friday, September 11, 2026, the jury found 33‑year‑old Devontay Banks—known onstage as Lil Durk—not guilty on every count in a case that began with an August 2022 shooting outside the Beverly Center. The decision followed three days of deliberations in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
The trial centered on the death of 24‑year‑old Saviay’a Robinson, a cousin of Atlanta rapper Tyquian Bowman, who performs as Quando Rondo. Prosecutors alleged that Banks orchestrated a hit on Bowman as retaliation for the 2020 murder of Banks’ close friend, Dayvon “King Von” Bennett. The alleged plot, they said, was carried out by a crew of OTF associates and culminated in Robinson’s fatal shooting on August 19, 2022.
Banks entered a not‑guilty plea, and his defense argued that the true mastermind was former personal assistant Kavon Grant. The team presented evidence that Grant had set up the intended killing, a claim that the jury ultimately rejected. Three other defendants—Deandre Dontrell Wilson, David Brian Lindsey, and an unnamed co‑defendant—were charged with conspiracy, stalking and murder‑for‑hire. Wilson and Lindsey were convicted of stalking and conspiracy to stalk but were acquitted of the murder‑for‑hire charges.
During the proceedings, jurors weighed evidence that Banks funneled money from his own accounts and OTF‑related ventures into the conspiracy. Prosecutors linked the plot to a broader pattern of violence, citing Banks’ alleged involvement in other murders and attempted killings, including the January 2022 slaying of Stephon Mack, a member of the rival Gangster Disciples. The defense maintained that the evidence failed to prove Banks’ direct participation.
The verdict was delivered in a packed downtown Los Angeles courtroom, where a group of Lil Durk fans gathered outside to celebrate. Brian Steel, the rapper’s lead attorney, said the decision was a relief and that the charges had been dismissed.
Despite the acquittal, Banks remains in federal custody. A second trial, set for next month, will tackle additional federal counts of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering and firearms offenses. Court filings indicate that a conviction on those charges could carry a life sentence.
Banks’ acquittal follows his October 2024 arrest on a separate conspiracy to commit murder‑for‑hire charge involving Quando Rondo. The forthcoming trial will determine whether the racketeering and firearms allegations hold up.
The case has attracted attention from the music community and the public at large. Banks, who won a Grammy in 2024 for his single “All My Life” featuring J. Cole, is a key figure in the Chicago drill scene. The outcome of the pending trial will have profound implications for his career and for the federal probe into violent activity tied to OTF.
At present, Banks is still held in federal custody while awaiting the next trial. The court has yet to set a definitive date for the racketeering and firearms case, but officials say proceedings will begin in the coming weeks. The legal outcome will decide whether Banks faces a potential life sentence or remains free pending trial.
Los Angeles federal court will resume the racketeering and firearms case next month. Until then, Banks’ legal team is preparing for the next phase, while the music industry watches closely to see how the outcome will affect his future projects and public image.
