The world was shocked in 1996 when iconic rapper Tupac Shakur was gunned down in a Las Vegas drive-by shooting. The case went unsolved for years, leaving fans and the music industry with unanswered questions. Now, after almost three decades, Dwayne “Keefe D” Davis, a former gang member, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with Shakur’s death.
Davis recently appeared in court seeking release on bail. This high-profile hearing has brought the Tupac Shakur murder case back into the spotlight, captivating the public’s attention once again.
Keefe D Granted $750,000 Bail, But Will He Be Released?
After spending nearly nine months behind bars, Keefe D informed the court that he had secured the $750,000 needed for his release on bail. However, securing the funds doesn’t guarantee his release.
Source of the Bail Money Sparks Courtroom Drama
The origin of the bail money became a point of contention during the hearing. The defense called a single witness to testify: Cash Jones, better known as music producer Wack 100, who helped provide the funds to secure Keefe D’s release.
Jones, who owns 100 Entertainment, stated that he paid a $12,000 premium, representing 15% of the $750,000 bail, along with an additional $500. He asserted that these funds came directly from his business account and constituted a gift to Davis. He clarified that there were no contractual obligations or financial agreements tied to the bail money.
Jones’ motivation for posting bail for the former gang member was questioned by the prosecution. They believe that Jones agreed to provide the funds in exchange for rights to a television series about Davis’s life.
During the proceedings, Jones acknowledged that he and Davis had discussed the possibility of a television series about Davis’s life, similar in format to the BMF series. However, Jones maintained that these were merely conversations and that he is not involved in the television industry.
Jones firmly denied allegations of being a “middleman” or a “front” for any movie company or other entity financing Davis’s bail.
The prosecution also raised concerns about Jones’ intention to record interviews with Davis before and after his potential release, suggesting that it would violate the judge’s order prohibiting Davis from profiting from statements related to the case.
Keefe D Claims He Needs to Be Released Due to Cancer Concerns
During the hearing, Keefe D addressed the court himself. He asserted that he needs to be released on bail because he’s battling cancer and the jail’s food is inadequate for his condition. He expressed that he would “say anything” to save his life.
A Look Back at the Night Tupac Shakur Was Murdered
The details surrounding Tupac Shakur’s murder have remained largely unchanged over the years. On the night of September 7, 1996, Shakur and Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight were in Las Vegas to attend a Mike Tyson fight.
Also in attendance that night were Keefe D, his nephew Orlando Anderson, and other members of the Southside Crips gang. It’s reported that Anderson had a previous altercation with members of Knight’s entourage and the rival gang, the Mob Pirus.
As both groups were leaving the fight at the MGM Hotel, a brawl broke out. Hotel surveillance footage showed Tupac Shakur involved in the fight, repeatedly kicking and punching Anderson. Investigators believe that Keefe D, upon learning about the altercation, orchestrated a plan for revenge.
Later that night, while Shakur and Knight were en route to an afterparty, tragedy struck. As Knight, with Shakur in the passenger seat, drove down the Las Vegas Strip, their vehicle was stopped at a red light when a white Cadillac pulled up alongside them. Gunfire erupted from the Cadillac.
Knight sustained minor injuries from a bullet fragment, but Shakur was struck multiple times. He succumbed to his injuries a week later.
The Investigation: Decades in the Making
The investigation into Tupac Shakur’s murder went cold for many years. Law enforcement officials identified four suspects early on, one of whom was Keefe D.
However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the case saw a resurgence. Renewed interest in the case came from Keefe D himself. In a 2019 memoir titled “Compton Street Legend”, Davis confessed to providing the gun used in the shooting. He claimed that he was in the front passenger seat of the white Cadillac and handed the weapon to someone in the back seat, who fired the fatal shots.
Adding fuel to the fire were statements Keefe D made during a 2021 interview for the USA Network series “Unsolved.” He claimed his nephew, Orlando Anderson, was one of the two people in the backseat of the Cadillac and implied that Anderson was the one who pulled the trigger.
However, since his arrest, Keefe D has recanted his previous statements, denying any involvement in the murder.
Keefe D: The Last Man Standing
It’s important to note that of the four men believed to be in the white Cadillac on the night of Tupac Shakur’s murder, Keefe D is the only one still alive.
Orlando Anderson was killed in a 1998 drive-by shooting. DeAndre Smith, the other backseat passenger, died in 2004. And in 2015, the driver, Terrence “Bubble Up” Brown, was shot and killed in Compton, California.
The Trial and the Judge’s Decision
With Keefe D’s trial set to begin in November, all eyes are on Judge Kerney, who will decide whether to grant Davis’s release on bail or keep him in custody as his trial unfolds.
The judge is currently reviewing the bank statements provided by Cash Jones before making a final ruling on the bail matter.
The Legacy of Tupac Shakur
The murder of Tupac Shakur sent shockwaves throughout the music world. Even decades later, his influence can be felt. Fans worldwide are captivated by the latest developments in this long-unsolved case, hoping for some closure to this tragic chapter in music history.