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| Steve Marcus/Pool Photo via AP |
Jurors in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis heard a recorded 2008 interview Thursday in which Davis told detectives that his nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, was responsible for firing the shots that killed Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996.
Davis, 63, is accused of orchestrating the shooting that claimed the life of Shakur, who was 25 at the time. Anderson, who Davis said was in the vehicle with him during the shooting, died in 1998 and was never charged in connection with Shakur’s death.
During the interview played for jurors, Davis described the moments leading up to the shooting. He said he was travelling in a white Cadillac with Anderson and two other men when they pulled alongside the vehicle carrying Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight.
Davis told detectives that he initially had a firearm but passed it toward Deandre “Big Dre” Smith after determining the positioning of Knight's vehicle made it difficult for him to fire.
Anderson then took the weapon, Davis said, and began shooting.
Jurors watched a transcript of the recorded conversation on a courtroom screen as the interview was played. The atmosphere remained quiet while Davis described the events surrounding the shooting, with members of Shakur’s family occasionally looking toward the screen or down at the floor.
The 2008 interview represents a significant piece of evidence for prosecutors, who have pointed to statements Davis made over the years about his alleged involvement in the killing. Prosecutors have also referenced interviews, podcasts and the 2019 memoir “Compton Street Legend,” which Davis co-authored.
However, Davis has previously given authorities conflicting accounts. He had told the FBI that Anderson was not involved in Shakur's murder and had speculated about possible involvement by Knight or Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Davis has pleaded not guilty. His defense has argued that prosecutors are relying on statements Davis made while telling stories about his past and that investigators failed to adequately corroborate his claims.
The 2008 interview initially focused on the murder of another major hip-hop figure, The Notorious B.I.G., who was killed in Los Angeles in 1997. Davis had been considered a suspect in that investigation before authorities ultimately discounted him.
Detectives Daryn Dupree and Greg Kading conducted the interview. According to testimony, investigators told Davis that the conversation was confidential and that his statements would not be used against him.
Prosecutors now argue that Davis later undermined that understanding by publicly discussing his alleged role in Shakur’s death.
Authorities allege the shooting was connected to an earlier confrontation at the MGM Grand following a Mike Tyson fight. According to prosecutors, members of Shakur's entourage had attacked Anderson earlier that night, creating a motive for retaliation.
Shakur was shot while riding in a BMW with Knight. He died several days later from his injuries.
Nearly three decades after his death, Shakur remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. His music, films and cultural impact have continued to shape generations of artists and fans, while the circumstances surrounding his killing have remained the subject of intense public interest.
The testimony surrounding Davis's 2008 interview is expected to remain a central element of the prosecution's case as the trial continues.
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