US rapper Lil Durk was cleared by a federal jury of involvement in an alleged murder‑for‑hire plot targeting rival artist Quando Rondo, which left Rondo’s cousin dead at a Los Angeles gas station.
After three days of deliberation, the 33‑year‑old Chicago‑born artist, best known for his 2023 hit “All My Life,” was acquitted of conspiracy, murder‑for‑hire, and stalking resulting in death.
The fortnight‑long trial in downtown Los Angeles drew high‑profile attendees such as Ye and Machine Gun Kelly, and crowds of supporters, content creators and streamers gathered outside the courthouse.
Co‑defendants David Lindsey and Deandre Wilson were also acquitted of murder‑for‑hire, but both were convicted of conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking using a dangerous weapon and stalking resulting in death.
Wilson’s attorney Craig Harbaugh thanked the jury for finding no murder‑for‑hire and expressed confidence that the remaining counts would not survive a pending motion for acquittal. Prosecutors said they were disappointed with Durk’s verdict and plan to present evidence at his second trial.
Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, remains in custody pending a separate racketeering trial and has been jailed since his 2024 arrest. He won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “All My Life” and was a featured performer on Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later.”
