Tupac Shakur’s alleged killer Keefe D has pleaded not guilty to murdering the iconic rapper – despite previously bragging several times about the role he played in the fatal shooting.
Keffe – real name Duane Davis – who was arrested in September, appeared in court in Las Vegas on Thursday morning to be arraigned on charges relating to the brutal murder. However, it has been confirmed he will not face the death penalty if he is convicted of the killing 27 years ago.
The ex-Compton Crip made his plea in front of Las Vegas District Court Judge Tierra Jones. He will now face trial for one count of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and with a gang enhancement.
He appeared represented by a public defender after he failed to secure a deal with famous attorney Ross Goodman for representation. Davis, 60, was led into the courtroom wearing handcuffs and leg shackles and a blue Clark County Detention Center jumpsuit.
He is reportedly being kept in protective custody for his own safety. The hearing lasted just six-minutes before he was led away again. The judge asked Davis if he had retained counsel to which he replied “No, ma’am.”
She then asked the public defender team who would be representing him as Robert Arroyo and Charles Cano confirmed they would be his legal team. Judge Jones then confirmed that the district attorney was not planning to pursue a death penalty. Davis interrupted the judge for clarification on the matter and when she explained appeared relieved as he sighed. He could however face 30 years in jail if he is found guilty at trial.
Davis also spoke to deny being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and when asked if he had an education by Judge Jones he responded: “I did a year of college. UCLA.” He was seen at one point turning to give a thumbs up and smile at three people in the gallery.
Davis did not apply for bail and before departing the courtroom told the judge that he planned to get Goodman “back on board”. The trial will now take place in 2024 and is expected to span over several weeks.
On September 7, 1996, Tupac was in a BMW car that was driven by Marion “Suge” Knight, the founder of Death Row Records which was the record label Tupac was signed to. While the vehicle was at a standstill at a red light near the Las Vegas strip, a white Cadillac drove up next to the car and fired into the car. Tupac was shot multiple times – including two wounds to the chest and one to the leg – and succumbed to his injuries a week later. He was just 26 years old.
In other news – Shannon Beador sentenced to 3 years probation for DUI
Shannon Beador will not be facing jail time for her DUI charge despite prosecutors reportedly requesting she serve 30 days behind bars for the offense. The “Real Housewives of Orange County” star was sentenced to three years of probation Thursday, her attorney confirms to Page Six.
Beador, who was not present in court, will also have to complete 40 hours of community service and a nine-month alcohol program. Read More
