Eclectic group gathers for start of trial over Tupac Shakur slaying

An eclectic group assembled at the Regional Justice Center on Monday as the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, accused of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, got underway with jury selection. Davis, 63, is charged in connection with the death of Shakur, who was 25 when he was shot adjacent the Las Vegas Strip in September 1996. Prosecutors said Davis’ public statements prompted a renewed examination of the case. In a memoir that he has since disputed writing, Davis described “tossing” a weapon into the back seat of the Cadillac he was riding, allowing another man to carry out the shooting. The opening day drew relatives of Shakur, fans, podcasters and journalists from local and national news outlets. William Lesane, who identified himself as a relative of Shakur, told reporters he viewed the proceedings as a culmination of “30 years of trauma, anger, depression, sadness, grief, mourning.” He added, “I’m open to learning new information, seeing if there was another radical progressive and it was a deeper, deeper conspiracy.” Davis has told reporters he was not in Las Vegas at the time of the shooting, despite his earlier remarks. Lesane responded, “I think his alibi is simply a hopeless effort to evade justice and I don’t blame him. I would most likely do the same thing if I was in his shoes, if I said I was there and then got arrested and found out: I’m 63 years old, I’m facing life in jail.” Prosecutors contend Davis served as the “shot‑caller” who devised a plan to exact revenge on Shakur and Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight in retaliation for an assault by Shakur and his entourage against Davis’ nephew, Orlando Anderson, earlier that evening at the MGM Grand. Knight’s head was grazed by a bullet during the attack. Some spectators traveled considerable distances to attend the trial. Jirah Devin, who came from Florida with his wife, said Shakur had been a major influence in his life but said he remained unconvinced of Davis’ guilt. “I don’t think Keffe did it,” Devin stated. “I think he’s really a fall guy to buy some time and cause confusion.” When asked what he believes happened to Shakur, Devin replied, “I believe that there’s a hope that he could still be here, but either way, he’s here. Nobody’s dead until the last man speaks their name.” The case remains active; further developments will be reported as they become available.