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Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was acquitted Friday, Sept. 11, of all charges in a federal murder-for-hire trial.
A Los Angeles jury rejected prosecutors' claims that he orchestrated a 2022 shooting meant to avenge the killing of his close friend, fellow rapper King Von.
The jury deliberated for three days before reaching its verdict.
The trial drew high-profile support, with celebrities including Machine Gun Kelly and Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, attending court sessions. Outside the courthouse, crowds of fans, livestreamers, and other content creators gathered throughout the proceedings.
Despite the acquittal, Lil Durk remains in custody. He faces a second federal trial beginning Oct. 5 on charges of racketeering, murder and firearms offenses tied to the same case.
"While we are disappointed with the jury's decision regarding Durk Banks, a.k.a. 'Lil Durk,' we look forward to presenting our evidence at his second trial", First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.
Five other people associated with Lil Durk's Chicago-based rap collective, "Only the Family" or "OTF," also faced charges in connection with the case.
A jury cleared Durk of all charges Friday. His two co-defendants in the trial, Deandre Wilson and David Lindsey, were found guilty of stalking and conspiracy to commit stalking, though both were acquitted of the murder-for-hire charge.
Durk won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his single "All My Life" featuring J. Cole. He has also been nominated for a Grammy three other times.
A conviction on the murder-for-hire charges could have sent Durk to prison for life. Now cleared of those counts, he remains in custody as he awaits a separate federal racketeering trial set for Oct. 5.
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