Rapper Lil Durk charged for role in murder-for-hire scheme in 2022

In a shocking turn of events, Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk has been arrested in Florida on federal charges related to a conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Authorities allege that Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, orchestrated an attempted revenge killing of fellow rapper Quando Rondo in connection with a drive-by shooting that tragically resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, on August 19, 2022.

The 32-year-old artist faces serious charges as part of a wider investigation that has already led to the arrests of five other members of his Chicago-based rap collective, Only the Family (OTF). Court documents indicate that at least two more arrests may be forthcoming. The FBI reports that Durk was apprehended on Thursday night while allegedly trying to flee the country.

Agent Sarah Corcoran’s affidavit reveals that the violence attributed to OTF members included murder and assault, allegedly under the direction of Durk, who won a Grammy earlier this year for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his song “All My Life,” featuring J. Cole. Durk has been nominated for three Grammys and has collaborated with high-profile artists like Drake.

According to the FBI’s investigation, the roots of this incident trace back to the November 2020 murder of OTF member King Von, who was killed in an altercation with Rondo at an Atlanta nightclub. After the incident, it is reported that Durk expressed intentions to pay a “bounty” for Rondo’s life.

As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that in August 2022, Durk’s associates tracked Rondo to a hotel in Los Angeles. Using funds from Durk, they traveled from Chicago to San Diego and then drove to LA. Text messages from Durk indicated a desire to conceal any connections to the flights arranged for his associates. Moreover, video evidence places Durk in the San Fernando Valley on that day.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, the group met with Kayon Grant, who had flown in on a private jet. Grant allegedly facilitated their accommodations, provided them with ski masks, and equipped them with firearms, including an automatic weapon.

The following day, the group followed Rondo’s vehicle during his visits to various locations in Los Angeles. They ultimately ambushed Rondo at a gas station near the Beverly Center. Tragically, Robinson was shot and killed during this attack, but Rondo managed to escape unharmed.

After the shooting, the suspects reportedly discussed payment with Grant at an In-N-Out burger restaurant before returning to Chicago. According to the affidavit, Durk attempted to flee by booking multiple flights to international destinations, including Dubai and Switzerland, before being arrested in Miami.

Currently, Durk and the other defendants remain in custody as they await transfer to Los Angeles for further legal proceedings. As of now, Durk’s team has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the situation.