Tupac Shakur murder suspect Keefe D says he lied about shooting dead rapper 'for money'

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Keefe D, a suspect in the infamous murder of hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur, has declared that he lied about his involvement in the 1996 assassination "for money."

The 60-year-old, whose real name is Duane Davis, allegedly concocted a false narrative surrounding the rapper's killing to cash in on media interviews and a memoir, inspired by the success of an ex-LAPD officer's book.

Tupac was 25 years old when he was shot four times in the chest on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas. Davis, the accused, is said to have orchestrated the attack due to a prior altercation between the rapper and Davis' nephew at a boxing match.

Keefe D's trial postponed amid claims of false confessions

Keefe D, a former Los Angeles drug dealer, appeared visibly dejected in a Las Vegas court as he learned that his trial would be postponed until November.

His new defense lawyer, Carl Arnold, expressed confidence in clearing his client's name, deeming it "one of the biggest cases in Las Vegas history."

Arnold contends that Keefe's earlier confessions to the murder were influenced by ex-LAPD task force investigator Greg Kading, who capitalized on his own book and media career after investigating the deaths of both Biggie Smalls and Tupac.

"There's no evidence that he was involved. He did what Detective Kading did. He put out a book and he made money," Arnold stated. When asked about Keefe's motive, the lawyer confirmed, "He did it for money."

Keefe D's defense challenges the prosecution's case

Arnold challenged the strength of the District Attorney's case, emphasizing, “The state have to provide evidence number one of a gun, number two of a car and most importantly that Mr Davis was even in Las Vegas at the time. Right now I can be forthright and say we haven't seen any of that evidence."

As the trial date was pushed to November 4, Arnold remains optimistic about the defense's stance, declaring, "It's going to be a historic case. It's a challenge... a big burden that we gladly take on... Am I confident? Yes, I am," The Sun reported.

Financial hurdles for Keefe D's bail

Addressing prosecutors' claims that Keefe posed a threat to society, Arnold labeled them as "ridiculous" and highlighted positive testimonials from neighbors who regarded the suspect as one of the best neighbors.

Keefe, who has battled cancer, has reportedly retired from all gang affiliations, and his lawyer attested to his good mental and physical health.

Despite his struggle to raise funds for his $750,000 bail, Arnold expressed, “I'm getting phone calls from potential people that can put up the bail and so I would say within 30 days, hopefully, something's nailed down this week by Friday. Bail will be made."

The next hearing is scheduled for April 25.