The federal court is now assembling a jury to determine whether prosecutors can prove that Lil Durk ordered a 2022 attempt on Quando Rondo’s life that instead resulted in the killing of his cousin. The trial, initially delayed for nearly two years, has moved into its initial phase following the government’s extensive efforts to establish a connection between Durk and the alleged plot. The case, initially brought against Durk, alongside Deandre ‘DeDe’ Wilson and David ‘Browneyez’ Lindsey, who have been linked to the alleged conspiracy, has been significantly complicated by pretrial disputes over evidence, witness testimonies, and the scope of the government’s investigation.
The government alleges that retaliation reached Los Angeles on August 19, 2022, and that members and associates of Only The Family tracked Quando Rondo before gunfire erupted at a gas station near the Beverly Center. According to the prosecution’s case, at least eighteen shots were fired, leaving Quando surviving but Saviay’a ‘Lul Pab’ Robinson killed. Investigators contend that Durk financed and directed the attack, citing travel arrangements, money connected to Only The Family, and communications that point to individuals involved in traveling from Chicago to California. Federal authorities have also presented a 2021 DJ Akademiks interview where 6ix9ine and Wack 100 criticized Durk for failing to retaliate over Von’s death, a key element of the government’s case.
The trial will be heavily scrutinized, with U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald overseeing repeated attempts by Durk’s attorneys to suppress government evidence. In July, Fitzgerald agreed to sever two counts added through a broader indictment, effectively allowing the Los Angeles murder-for-hire case to proceed on schedule, despite the defense’s ongoing efforts to challenge the government’s claims. The government intends to present a substantial collection of material, including music videos, podcast appearances, text messages, photographs from Durk’s iCloud account, and a 911 call related to the shooting. Prosecutors also intend to introduce a 2021 DJ Akademiks interview, which contains criticism of Durk’s alleged failure to retaliate, challenging the government’s assertion of intent.
The case has been meticulously detailed, including numerous pieces of evidence, and has been the subject of intense scrutiny. Fitzgerald has allowed portions of music videos, podcast appearances, text messages, photographs from Durk’s iCloud account, and a 911 call to be presented as evidence. The government also intends to introduce a 2021 DJ Akademiks interview which provides a criticism of Durk’s alleged failure to retaliate.
Durk remains in federal custody since his October 2024 arrest near Miami International Airport. Federal investigators have indicated that he had booked multiple international flights after learning several defendants had been arrested in the case. His defense team has repeatedly pushed for a jury trial, maintaining his innocence and insisting on bringing the case before a jury. Once a jury is seated, prosecutors are expected to spend approximately 11 to 13 days presenting their case, with the potential for a life sentence if convicted on the most serious charges.
Source: HotNewHipHop
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Source: HotNewHipHop
