Chicago rapper Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was arrested in Broward County, Florida, on charges related to a murder-for-hire plot, according to authorities. The rapper, known for his success in the drill rap genre, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals late Thursday and is currently being held without bail. His arrest comes as a shock to fans, especially in light of his upcoming album release and Grammy win earlier this year.
Lil Durk, 32, has been a central figure in the hip-hop community, earning widespread recognition for his albums The Voice (2020) and 7220 (2022), both of which went platinum. Most recently, his collaboration with J. Cole on the track "All My Life" earned him a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance. However, the arrest casts a shadow over his career as details surrounding his alleged involvement in the plot begin to surface.
The charges against Lil Durk are part of a broader investigation into a murder-for-hire plot involving his hip-hop collective, Only The Family (OTF). Prosecutors allege that five men with ties to OTF conspired to kill fellow rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von, another prominent member of the group. King Von, whose real name was Dayvon Daquan Bennett, was fatally shot outside a nightclub in Atlanta during an altercation with Rondo's crew. The incident has sparked an ongoing feud between the two camps.
The U.S. District Court in Los Angeles has charged five OTF members-Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston-with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, among other serious crimes. According to court documents, the men traveled to Los Angeles in August 2022 with the intent to kill Quando Rondo. However, their attempt resulted in the death of Rondo's cousin, Saviay'a Robinson, also known as Lul Pab, who was a passenger in the vehicle targeted by the gunmen.
While the exact nature of Lil Durk's involvement in the plot remains unclear, his arrest suggests a deeper connection to the ongoing investigation. Prosecutors are reportedly exploring whether Durk had knowledge of or played a role in orchestrating the retaliatory attack against Rondo. So far, no official statement has been made by his legal team or representatives regarding the charges.
Lil Durk's arrest has also stirred up rumors online, with fans and critics speculating about the extent of his involvement. Some social media users have drawn parallels between Durk's case and other high-profile criminal charges against figures in the music industry, further fueling discussions about the rapper's legal troubles.
This is not the first time Lil Durk has faced serious legal challenges. In 2019, he was charged with attempted murder following a separate shooting incident in Atlanta. Those charges were dropped in 2022, with the rapper celebrating his cleared record on social media, writing, "My background wiped and clean of all cases. I ain't a felon anymore."
Despite his past legal issues, Lil Durk has remained a significant force in the music industry. His recent achievements, including chart-topping albums and major collaborations with artists like Drake and J. Cole, have solidified his reputation as one of the most successful rappers of his generation. However, his current legal troubles could threaten to derail his career at a time when he is at the peak of his popularity.
The murder-for-hire plot centers on the violent aftermath of the 2020 shooting that claimed the life of King Von. Prosecutors allege that OTF members sought revenge for Von's death, leading them to target Quando Rondo. Rondo's associate, Timothy "Lul Tim" Leeks, was charged with Von's murder but claimed self-defense, further intensifying the rivalry between the two factions.
The charges against the five OTF members include conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, use of firearms in the commission of a violent crime, and possession of a machine gun. The indictment also highlights the use of coded language and bounty payments, as one co-conspirator allegedly offered monetary rewards for the successful assassination of Rondo.
