Duane 'Keffe D' Davis Sentenced to 40 Years to Life for Tupac Shakur's Murder

Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for his role in the murder of Tupac Shakur, following his conviction in August. The sentencing occurred Tuesday in a Las Vegas court, more than 30 years after the rapper was fatally shot near the Las Vegas Strip on Sept. 7, 1996. Shakur died six days later from his injuries.

Prosecutors described Davis, 63, as the "shot caller" in the infamous killing. Over the years, Davis had publicly and consistently detailed his involvement in the events leading up to and including the shooting in multiple police interviews, a memoir, and on-camera appearances. The prosecution argued that his own words, corroborated by other evidence presented at trial, proved his guilt.

During the closing arguments, prosecutor Marc DiGiacomo quoted Davis' own words to the jury, highlighting his prior statements of survival and accountability. Davis' defense team contended that he had lied about his involvement and that there was insufficient proof to place him at the scene or in the vehicle from which the shots were fired.

Davis was arrested in September 2023 and charged with murder with the use of a deadly weapon, with the intent to promote, further, or assist a criminal gang. He pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence throughout the legal process. He has been in custody since his arrest and has stated his intention to appeal his conviction.

Investigators credited Davis' numerous public statements with revitalizing the case, leading them to corroborate his accounts. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before unanimously finding Davis guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. While Davis did not pull the trigger, the prosecution argued he orchestrated the drive-by shooting.

Judge Carli Kierny will determine Davis' final penalty, which can range from a minimum of 40 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Davis' admissions and attempts to profit from his story were also cited by prosecutors as violations of a previous immunity agreement with a joint LA task force.