Attorneys for Lil Durk and federal prosecutors presented final arguments in a trial alleging the rapper orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of Quando Rondo's cousin.

Closing arguments concluded Tuesday in the murder-for-hire trial of Chicago rapper Lil Durk, born Durk Banks. Prosecutors allege Banks orchestrated a plot to kill rival rapper Quando Rondo, leading to the 2022 death of Rondo's cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, in Los Angeles. The defense team argued the government's case relies on unreliable cooperating witnesses seeking to avoid life sentences.

Prosecution Case and Allegations

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Yanniello argued that Banks, 33, used his wealth and influence to seek revenge for the 2020 death of his friend, King Von. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage, text messages, and a 911 call from the August 2022 shooting at a Los Angeles gas station. The government contends that Banks funded the operation, including plane tickets and hotel stays, and directed associates to carry out the attack on Quando Rondo, whose legal name is Tyquian Bowman.

Defense Arguments and Witness Credibility

Defense attorneys Brian Steel and Drew Findling characterized the government's case as a "tsunami of reasonable doubt" built on the testimony of "snitches" who are motivated by the prospect of avoiding life in prison. The defense argued that Kavon Grant, Banks' former personal assistant, acted independently and manipulated others. They highlighted that Banks fired Grant in early 2023, questioning why he would retain someone he had allegedly tasked with a murder. Defense witnesses, including King Von’s former girlfriend, testified to challenge the credibility of the government's cooperating witnesses.