A judge in Clark District Court has once again denied a request to release an ailing former Los Angeles-area gang leader accused in the 1996 killing of hip-hop star Tupac Shakur. The judge expressed suspicions of a cover-up related to the sources of the funds for his $750,000 bail bond.
The former gang leader, known as 'Keffe D,' has been seeking release since his arrest in September 2023. He is the only person charged in connection with the killing of Tupac Shakur, a case that has garnered significant interest and speculation over the years.
Prosecutors allege that the shooting that took Shakur's life in Las Vegas was a result of rivalry between East Coast Bloods gang members and West Coast Crips, including the accused gang leader. The incident was said to be linked to competition for dominance in the genre of 'gangsta rap' at the time.
The judge previously rejected a proposal for a music executive to underwrite a portion of the bail bond, citing concerns about potential profit motives. The court also raised questions about the legitimacy of the funds and the involvement of unnamed individuals.
Nevada law prohibits convicted killers from profiting from their crimes, which adds a layer of complexity to the case. The music executive involved in the bail bond arrangement has managed prominent artists and testified to his desire to support the accused gang leader due to his health condition and community influence.
The trial for the accused gang leader has been rescheduled from November to March next year. He maintains his plea of not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder. The case remains a focal point of attention due to its historical significance and the enduring mystery surrounding the events of that fateful night nearly three decades ago.
