The trial for Duane Davis, the sole suspect charged in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, commenced Monday with prosecutors detailing the alleged motive for the killing. Prosecutors contend that Davis, 63, orchestrated the rapper's death as an act of revenge stemming from a family dispute.
According to opening statements, Davis allegedly ordered the fatal drive-by shooting in Las Vegas after his nephew was reportedly assaulted by Shakur and his entourage. Prosecutors stated that Davis was filled with "visceral anger" following the alleged beating of his nephew, who was in town for a Mike Tyson fight.
Prosecutors have not accused Davis of firing the fatal shots but claim he supplied the murder weapon. "Dwane Davis did not pull the trigger, but what he did do was plan the retaliation for the beating of his nephew," a prosecutor told the jury.
The defense for Davis has asserted that there is no evidence to support the allegations that their client was responsible for Shakur's death in 1996.