Duane 'Keffe D' Davis Sentenced to 40 Years to Life for Tupac Shakur's Murder

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Duane 'Keffe D' Davis was sentenced on October 13, 2026, to 40 years to life in prison for orchestrating the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, who was shot near the Las Vegas Strip over 30 years ago. Davis, 63, was convicted in August of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon, making him the only individual ever charged in connection with Shakur's death, which occurred when Shakur was 25 years old. Prosecutor Marc DiGiacomo stated that regardless of the sentence, Davis is 'guaranteed to die' in prison. During the sentencing, DiGiacomo emphasized the impact of Shakur's death on his family, which included Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa 'Set' Shakur. The murder remained unsolved for years until Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips, revealed his involvement in interviews and his 2019 memoir. DiGiacomo argued that Davis attempted to profit from the murder and did not merit a minimum sentence. Davis briefly addressed the court, requesting the return of personal items taken by police, but declined to make further statements. His attorney, Michael Sanft, announced plans to appeal the verdict, claiming that prosecutors delayed too long in bringing the case. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot multiple times while in a black BMW with music mogul Marion 'Suge' Knight, dying six days later. Davis's memoir detailed how Shakur's entourage had assaulted his nephew shortly before the shooting, which Davis claimed motivated his actions. Prosecutors relied on Davis's own admissions during the trial, asserting he orchestrated the shooting and provided the weapon used. The defense highlighted the absence of physical evidence linking Davis to the crime, portraying him as a liar seeking financial gain. After nine days of testimony, the jury deliberated for three hours before reaching a guilty verdict. Family members of Shakur spoke at the sentencing, with prosecutor Binu Palal noting that while Shakur was an icon to many, he was a beloved family member to those who knew him. Davis remains the only individual charged and convicted in Shakur's murder, with the other alleged participants having died. The trial also referenced Sean 'Diddy' Combs, with witnesses claiming he employed members of the South Side Compton Crips for security. Davis alleged that Combs offered him money to kill Shakur and Knight, a claim Combs has denied. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated that his office currently lacks sufficient evidence to pursue additional charges against anyone else but remains open to future developments.