Jury Hears Closing Arguments in Tupac Shakur Murder Trial
The Story
A jury heard closing arguments on Monday in the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, accused of involvement in the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur. Prosecutor Binu Palal argued that Davis ordered the murder after his nephew was beaten by members of Shakur's entourage in Las Vegas. Palal stated that Davis acquired a firearm, got his group together, and went hunting for Mr Shakur. According to prosecutors, Davis handed the gun to someone in the back seat of a white Cadillac and ordered that person to shoot Shakur, who died six days later. Marion "Suge" Knight, co-founder of Death Row Records and driver of Shakur's BMW, was wounded. Defense attorney Michael Sanft characterized Davis's confessions as fiction and lies, partly designed to promote his book. Sanft also stated there is no hard evidence to corroborate Davis's claims or prove his presence in Las Vegas at the time of the killing. The investigation into Shakur's death was a cold case for decades due to a lack of evidence. The case was revived when Davis's memoirs, in which he repeatedly boasted of his involvement, were published in 2019. Davis is the only person charged in connection with Shakur's shooting. If convicted, Davis faces possible life in prison without parole.
The Spread
What they agree on
- A jury heard closing arguments on Monday in the murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, accused in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur.
- Duane "Keffe D" Davis is charged with ordering the September 7, 1996 killing after his nephew was beaten by Shakur's entourage.
- Prosecutors allege Davis handed the gun to someone in the back seat of a white Cadillac who then shot Shakur.
- The defense attorney, Michael Sanft, characterized Davis's confessions as fiction and lies, intended to promote his book.
Where they split
- Punch Nigeria and Jamaica Observer lead with the general fact that closing arguments were heard in the trial.
- South China Morning Post and Cyprus Mail provide more detailed accounts of the prosecution's argument, including specific quotes from prosecutor Binu Palal.
- The Independent and Daily Maverick highlight that Davis's own words, from media appearances and a memoir, are central to the prosecution's case.
- New Haven Register's earlier articles simply state that closing arguments were set to begin.