Tupac Murder Trial: "Keffe D" Defense Rests, Closings Set

The long-awaited murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, accused in the 1996 drive-by shooting death of rap icon Tupac Shakur, is quickly approaching its conclusion in Las Vegas. Davis's defense rested after calling just three witnesses, wrapping up testimony in less than two hours on Thursday.

Closing arguments are now scheduled for Monday, signaling a swift end to this closely watched legal battle.

Davis's lawyer, Michael Sanft, focused the defense on testimony from three former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers. Former LVMPD Sgt. Stan Hyt and Lt.

Charlie Mangrum testified that on the night Shakur was killed, they were monitoring Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight's Las Vegas home. They observed a light-colored Cadillac arrive and later leave as part of a convoy that included Knight driving Shakur in his BMW.

This testimony was seemingly highlighted by Sanft to introduce doubt, as a light-colored Cadillac was reportedly involved in the shooting that fatally wounded Shakur less than an hour later.

Prosecutors, however, allege that Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips, was in the front passenger seat of the rented white Cadillac involved in the shooting.

They claim he was the "shot-caller" that night, authorizing his nephew, Orlando Anderson, to open fire on Shakur's vehicle.

This attack, prosecutors contend, was retaliation for an assault by Shakur and his entourage on Anderson inside the MGM Grand hours earlier.

The defense's suggestion of Knight having a similar vehicle in his convoy could potentially muddle the waters, though other theories about the shooting have circulated for decades.

Adding another layer to the narrative, a police officer reportedly claimed he was told to "stand down" on Keffe D's arrest at an earlier stage. With the defense now concluded, the stage is set for an intense round of closing arguments, as the legal system grapples with a case that has captivated the public for nearly three decades.

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