LOOK BACK: 30 years since shooting of Tupac Shakur on Las Vegas Strip
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Monday, Sept. 7, marks 30 years since the Las Vegas drive-by shooting that claimed the life of rap icon Tupac Shakur.
He was shot east of the Las Vegas Strip, at East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane on Sept. 7, 1996.
Shakur died from his injuries six days later at University Medical Center.
News 3 looked back on the incident and the fight that led to the shooting, involving members of the South Side Compton Crips and Death Row Records, and how Shakur's death shocked fans from around the world.
Duane Davis
Former Compton Crips leader Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been the only one charged for Shakur's murder.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Davis on Sept. 29, 2023, after a grand jury returned an indictment accusing Davis of obtaining a gun to seek retribution against Shakur.
Davis pleaded not guilty to the murder charges days later.
Here's a complete timeline leading to the arrest and trial of Duane Davis: Tupac Shakur murder: How it took 30 years for first suspect to stand trial
The Trial
Jury selection for the trial against Duane Davis started on August 10 and lasted for four days, finalizing a jury of 16 people (12 jurors and four alternates) at the Clark County District Court.
The first day of trial started on August 17, starting with testimony from former LVMPD officer Gary Dale, who was on patrol the night Shakur was shot.
Other testimonies and trial days:
- Witness Testimonies Day 1
- Retired LVMPD Officer Dean O'Kellley's testimony
- Jury hears audio from 2009 police interview
- Defense questions retired LVMPD officer of Davis gang affiliation claims
- Jury hears closing arguments
Testimony after testimony, the trial lasted exactly 2 weeks, with closing arguments and jury deliberation on Monday, August 31.
In less than 3 hours of deliberation, the jury found Davis guilty of first-degree murder.
Davis's sentencing is set for October 13.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter after the verdict was rendered, Davis maintained his innocence, saying his past comments about the shooting were only intended to make money.