Tupac Shakur Murder Trial Continues With Combative Witness Testimony

The murder trial of Tupac Shakur continues, with a retired LAPD detective stating the case could hinge on the words of accused killer Duane "Keffe D" Davis and his ghostwriter, Yusef Jah. Jah is on the prosecution's witness list.

On Tuesday, James "Mob James" McDonald, a member of Shakur's entourage, gave combative testimony, stating he did not want to send Davis to prison. McDonald said he was threatened with contempt of court if he did not testify. Prosecutors allege Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips street gang, orchestrated Shakur's death.

They argue Davis sought retaliation after his nephew, Orlando Anderson, was involved in a fight with Shakur in Las Vegas hours earlier on September 7, 1996. Surveillance video showed Anderson being hit and kicked by a group of men, including Shakur and Marion "Suge" Knight, inside the MGM Grand. Shakur was shot in a drive-by shooting on a Las Vegas street after a Mike Tyson boxing match on September 7, 1996.

He died in hospital six days later at age 25. Forensic pathologist Dr. Lisa Gavin testified Tuesday, detailing three bullet wounds, one of which traveled through Shakur's chest and lung. Some of Shakur's relatives, including cousin Zayd Akinyela, were present in court. Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder. Prosecutors point to Davis's alleged involvement outlined in interviews with law enforcement, a TV interview, and his memoir.

The defense has hinted that Jah fictionalized some details and that Davis was not involved. Knight, who was in the car with Shakur and wounded in the shooting, has stated he does not want to testify. Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal noted in his opening statement that one person did talk.