American rapper Durk Devontay Banks, professionally known as Lil Durk, has been found not guilty of murder-for-hire in the attempt to kill rival rapper Quando Rondo at a Los Angeles gas station, resulting in the death of the latter’s cousin. 

Following three days of deliberations, a federal jury voted to acquit the Grammy Award winner of five counts of charges in connection to the attempted murder of Rondo and the eventual death of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson.

The charges against Lik Durk included conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, interstate stalking involving a dangerous weapon and Interstate stalking resulting in death.

Meanwhile, Lil Durk’s co-defendants Deandre Wilson and David Lindsey were convicted of charges of conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking using a dangerous weapon and stalking resulting in death. But both were also acquitted of murder-for-hire.

During the trial that lasted for almost three weeks, fans of the singer gathered in front of the federal courthouse in California everyday to show their support for the singer. 

Some musicians, including Machine Gun Kelly and Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, also backed Lil Dirk, during the trial with the former even attending one of the hearings. 

Despite the acquittal, Lil Durk will remain in custody as he is facing a second federal trial on a racketeering count that was severed from this trial. He has been jailed since his 2024 arrest.

Commenting on the verdict, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the prosecution was pleased to secure conviction for Messrs Wilson and Lindsey but expressed confident regarding the forthcoming trial. 

“Today, the jury delivered justice to the family of Saviay’a Robinson, finding defendants Deandre Wilson and David Lindsey guilty of stalking resulting in Mr. Robinson’s death. 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.”