Jury selection in Lil Durk's federal murder-for-hire trial is scheduled to begin Thursday in Los Angeles, capping nearly two years of pretrial battles as the Chicago rapper faces life in prison for allegedly orchestrating the fatal attack on Quando Rondo's cousin.
The Charges
Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, is accused of ordering the August 2022 attack that killed Saviay'a "Lul Pab" Robinson, a cousin and associate of rapper Quando Rondo. Prosecutors allege the hit was retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von, who was fatally wounded during an altercation with Quando Rondo's crew in Atlanta.
Durk was arrested in Broward County, Florida in October 2024 alongside five associates from his Only The Family (OTF) collective. He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit murder for hire and multiple firearm offenses.
Feds Reveal Key Witnesses
Federal prosecutors have confirmed that OTF associate Kacey "OTF Jam" Hester will testify against Durk as part of a plea agreement. Hester is reportedly prepared to provide firsthand testimony about the planning and execution of the alleged hit.
Additionally, prosecutors recently moved to introduce a recorded interview between DJ Akademiks, 6ix9ine, and Wack 100 as evidence. The judge ruled Tuesday night that the interview, in which the participants discussed the rivalry and its consequences, can be presented to jurors.
The prosecution also successfully had the witness list sealed to protect cooperating individuals from potential intimidation or retaliation. Defense attorneys opposed the sealing but the judge sided with the government.
Rejected Peace Offering Becomes Key Evidence
In a newly revealed claim, prosecutors allege that Durk rejected a "peace offering" connected to Quando Rondo in December 2022, four months after the fatal attack. The government argues this demonstrates that Durk's hostility toward the rival camp was ongoing and deliberate rather than an impulsive reaction.
The defense has pushed back on this characterization, arguing that refusing contact with a rival does not constitute evidence of criminal intent. Defense attorneys also challenged one of the stalking conspiracy counts, arguing prosecutors never specified which person Durk allegedly intended to harm.
Durk's Music Video Admitted As Evidence
In another pretrial ruling, the judge allowed prosecutors to use Durk's music video for "Pissed Me Off" as evidence at trial. The government argues the video contains language and imagery that corroborates their theory of the case. Defense attorneys objected, calling the use of artistic expression as criminal evidence a dangerous precedent.
What Happens Next
Jury selection begins August 20, with opening arguments expected as early as the following day. The trial is expected to last several weeks given the volume of evidence and number of witnesses. Durk has been held without bail since his October 2024 arrest and has remained behind bars for nearly two years.
His co-defendant Deandre Wilson filed a request for pretrial bond in May that remains pending. The judge previously separated a Chicago-based racketeering charge connected to a separate 2022 death from this trial, meaning Durk faces two distinct federal proceedings.
If convicted on the murder-for-hire charge, Durk faces a mandatory life sentence.
