A key witness in the murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, accused in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, became combative on the stand Tuesday, refusing to answer questions that he believed could send Davis to prison.
James McDonald, a former enforcer for Death Row Records and a member of the rival Mob Piru street gang, stated under oath that he was not present when Shakur was shot. When questioned by defense attorney Michael Sanft about whether he witnessed the attack or knew who was involved, McDonald raised his voice and gestured with his arms.
"I don't want to send him to prison, even though we don't like each other. I don't want to send you to prison," McDonald said, looking directly at Davis, who sat impassively in a suit. McDonald expressed disbelief at the line of questioning, telling Sanft, "You're asking me questions that can hurt him."
Despite his reluctance, McDonald did provide some context, explaining that while he did not directly witness the shooting, individuals within Shakur's entourage quickly identified those responsible. He described the situation as a "gang war" where "people were getting hurt" and that Davis and his nephew, Orlando Anderson, were targets for revenge.
"They were the main subjects of a gang war - they were in the middle," McDonald stated, acknowledging his own involvement in the conflict.
Davis is accused of orchestrating the drive-by shooting that killed Shakur in Las Vegas in September 1996. Prosecutors allege the shooting was retaliation for an earlier assault on Anderson by Shakur and his associates.
