Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Durk is facing two additional felony charges in connection to an alleged murder-for-hire plot. The charges were unsealed on Thursday, revealing that the 28-year-old artist, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, is now facing a total of five felony counts.
The first charges against Durk were related to the fatal shooting of 23-year-old rapper King Von’s cousin, 26-year-old rapper and OTF affiliate, Timothy Leeks, in November 2020. Durk and his co-defendant, 22-year-old rapper and OTF member, King Von, were both charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The new charges against Durk include conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the indictment, Durk allegedly conspired with his co-defendant, 23-year-old rapper Quando Rondo, to kill a rival gang member in exchange for financial gain. The indictment also states that Durk was in possession of a firearm despite being a convicted felon.
Durk and Rondo were both arrested in connection to the alleged murder-for-hire plot in June 2021. At the time of their arrest, Durk was attempting to flee the country and was apprehended at the airport in Atlanta, Georgia, while Rondo was arrested in California.
The indictment also reveals that Durk and Rondo were allegedly involved in a physical altercation with the victim, who has not been named, prior to the shooting. The victim was reportedly shot multiple times and survived the attack.
Durk’s attorney, Nicole Blank Becker, has denied the allegations against her client, stating that he is innocent and will be vindicated. Rondo’s attorney, Drew Findling, has also maintained his client’s innocence, stating that there is no evidence linking him to the alleged murder-for-hire plot.
Durk and Rondo are both currently out on bond and are scheduled to appear in court on September 8th for a preliminary hearing. If convicted, they could face significant prison time.
The news of the additional charges against Durk comes just days after he released his highly anticipated album, “The Voice of the Heroes,” a collaboration with fellow rapper Lil Baby. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has received critical acclaim.
This is not the first time Durk has faced legal troubles. In 2019, he was arrested on attempted murder charges in connection to a shooting in Atlanta. The charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence.
As the case against Durk and Rondo continues to unfold, fans and the music industry are left wondering about the future of the two rising stars.
