Tupac Shakur Murder Trial Continues With Combative Witness Testimony
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The Story
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.
The Spread
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What they agree on
- Duane "Keffe D" Davis is on trial for the murder of Tupac Shakur, who was killed in a 1996 drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.
- Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the shooting in retaliation for an earlier fight involving Shakur and Davis's nephew, Orlando Anderson.
- James "Mob James" McDonald, a witness, gave combative testimony on Tuesday, expressing reluctance to identify those responsible for Shakur's death.
- Forensic pathologist Dr. Lisa Gavin testified on Tuesday, detailing Shakur's fatal bullet wounds, including one that collapsed a lung.
- The trial is taking place nearly 30 years after Shakur's death, which occurred on September 7, 1996.
Where they split
- Fox News emphasizes the "snitches get stitches" problem and the potential key role of Davis's ghostwriter, Yusef Jah, in the prosecution's case.
- CNN and BBC News focus more on the combative testimony of James "Mob James" McDonald and his direct statements to the accused.
- Courthouse News Service provides specific details about the surveillance video from the MGM Grand showing the altercation involving Orlando Anderson, Shakur, and Knight.
- PBS NewsHour highlights the presence and reactions of Tupac Shakur's family members, such as his cousin Zayd Akinyela, during the forensic pathologist's testimony.
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