Tupac Shakur murder trial: Suspect Keefe D refuses to testify or explain self-confessed role in crime

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: The accused gangster in Tupac Shakur's murder case announced that he won't offer explanations for his multiple confessions to the crime during his upcoming trial because he won't testify.

Duane Davis, also known as Keefe D, has decided not to answer questions about his self-confessed role as the mastermind behind the assassination of rap icon Shakur in 1996.

To provide context, on September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur, aged 25, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada, at approximately 11:15 pm.

The shooting took place when Shakur's vehicle was halted at a red light at the crossroads of East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane.

What did Keefe D report to family associates?

According to The US Sun, Keefe D has informed family associates that he will no longer cooperate with law enforcement, expressing a belief that he has been "fitted up" for the crime.

Notably, he has previously provided detailed accounts in police interviews, documentaries, and his own book, outlining how he orchestrated the murder and was present in the car when his nephew shot Rapper Shakur.

Keefe D has heeded the advice of his lawyer, Carl Arnold, and invoked his 5th Amendment rights, which safeguard individuals from self-incrimination or being compelled to testify against themselves during a criminal trial.

This decision follows Keefe D, aged 60, confessing twice to police in 2008 to the LAPD and in 2009 to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police regarding the circumstances of the murder. He believed he was immune to prosecution due to a "proffer" deal.

However, Keefe D, who could face life imprisonment if convicted, continues to assert that his case is "winnable," according to his legal team.

Keefe D's lawyer plans to compel Tupac's friend to appear in court

Keefe D's lawyer, Arnold, intended to legally compel Tupac's friend and rap mogul Suge Knight, who was present with Keefe D at the time of the incident and was driving the vehicle, to testify in court and provide evidence relevant to the case.

Suge, who grew up with Keefe D in Compton, California, has publicly declared that he will not testify in the high-profile trial set for November.

Arnold reiterated that "Keefe will not be giving evidence." He emphasized that the prosecution carries the responsibility of proving Keefe D's guilt in Tupac's death beyond a reasonable doubt.

Arnold stated, "He feels that it's a winnable case. He's always felt that way. He's never asked me (to plea bargain). We are going to trial." 

Moreover, he is actively pursuing Tupac’s record label boss and close friend Suge to be added to his list of witnesses. Arnold confirmed, "I will be issuing a subpoena for Suge Knight."

What did Keefe D’s family associate report?

A family associate of Keefe D expressed agreement with the decision not to have him testify, attributing Keefe's confessions to the crime to LAPD police detective Greg Kading's book and financial gains from the case.

They stated, “There is zero benefit from letting Keefe take the stand or face any detailed examination by professional lawyers. Keefe is a loose cannon when it comes to running his mouth. It is what has got him in trouble. Given that he confessed to his role in two police interviews and not faced legal actions, you would have thought he’d have shut his a** up.." 

They emphasized Keefe D's belief that his interactions with law enforcement were based on the presumption of immunity from prosecution, leaving him feeling betrayed and deceived by authorities.

Keefe's defense strategy involves arguing that his interviews should be protected and not admissible as evidence against him in the trial.

The family associate added, “And then his next defense strategy will be that he was greedy when it came to the Tupac case. In the last decade, he was asked by TV shows and media outlets to talk about the Tupac killing and he saw it as a money-making scheme.”

They concluded,  “His strategy is a gamble and a little problematic. He is saying I made this all up to make money off Tupac, so don’t believe me… but believe me now when I say that this is the truth.”

Last week, Keefe D appeared solemn in court during a status hearing, accompanied by his lawyer.

Arnold remains confident in demonstrating Keefe D's innocence, pointing to his absence from Las Vegas at the time of the incident.

He concluded, “There is no murder weapon and they don’t have a car used during the shooting as evidence.”