Tupac Shakur Killing: Gang Leader Convicted in 1996 Las Vegas Drive-By

A Nevada jury has convicted Duane "Keffe D" Davis of first-degree murder in the 1996 drive-by shooting of rap icon Tupac Shakur, bringing a long-awaited conclusion to one of music's most enduring mysteries.

The verdict, delivered after roughly three hours of deliberation, marks the culmination of a weeks-long trial in Las Vegas. Davis was found guilty of murder with the use of a deadly weapon, with the intent to promote, further, or assist a criminal gang.

Prosecutors argued that Davis, a former Compton gang leader, orchestrated the attack on September 7, 1996. They contended he supplied the murder weapon to the gunman, believed to be either his nephew, Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson, or another man in the backseat of the vehicle.

During closing arguments, prosecutor Binu Palal highlighted Davis's own admissions over the years, telling the jury, "For nearly 18 years, Duane Davis has told the police, television, books, YouTube interviewers -- anybody that will listen, he has told -- he is responsible for the murder of Tupac Shakur."

In contrast, defense attorney Michael Sanft argued that Davis's confessions were the only proof of guilt and did not constitute real evidence. He questioned why the case was being tried three decades later if a true confession had been made.

Shakur was shot four times with a Glock .22 pistol while his car was stopped at a red light in Paradise, Nevada. The shots came from a white Cadillac that pulled up alongside the vehicle driven by Marion "Suge" Knight. Shakur was struck in the chest, arm, and thigh, and died six days later.

Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13 and will remain in custody without bail. He has indicated plans to appeal the verdict.