Credit: Far Out / YouTube Still
Tue 13 October 2026 20:44, UK
After being found guilty of carrying out the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996, former gang leader Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
On August 31st, a verdict was reached by the jury that Davis was guilty of having murdered the ‘California Love’ rapper in Paradise, Nevada, 30 years ago. He was charged with one count of murder with a deadly weapon.
Davis, now 63, told judges that he planned to appeal against his guilty verdict, but was reminded in court that an appeal can only take place after a sentence has been declared.
It was determined that Davis had ordered for Tupac to be killed in a targeted attack, and that he supplied the firearm that was used by Orlando Anderson, the defendant’s late nephew, to shoot the rapper.
Anderson was treated as a suspect in the case but never charged for the murder, and died in 1998 as a result of an unrelated gang shooting.
Davis was initially arrested in 2023 after being indicted by a grand jury for his involvement in the shooting, and has been standing trial in Las Vegas since then.
After the guilty verdict was declared, Tupac’s family chose to issue a statement that revealed how they were pleased that justice had been served for the murder.
“The family of Tupac Amaru Shakur is elated and relieved by today’s verdict,” the statement read. “We would like to thank the jury for thoughtfully fulfilling their duty and carefully listening to all the evidence.”
The statement continued: “Our deepest appreciation goes out to our family, friends, loved ones and all of Tupac’s fans, who have always provided their love and support. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the marshals and advocates who supported and protected us throughout this process.”
It concluded, “Your steady presence and care did not go unnoticed, and we are forever grateful.”
ADD AS A PREFERRED SOURCE ON GOOGLE 
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.