Lil Durk’s attorney says the defense is feeling “great” as the rapper waits to learn his fate in a federal murder-for-hire trial.
The Chicago rapper, whose legal name is Durk Banks, and two others — David Lindsey and Deondre Wilson — face charges in connection with a deadly ambush at a gas station across from the Beverly Center four years ago.
Thursday, Sept. 10, marked the second day of jury deliberations at the federal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.
Banks’ attorney, Drew Findling, briefly spoke with reporters and the rapper’s fans outside the courthouse at the end of the day.
“We feel great. We’re so proud representing Durk,” Findling said when asked his thoughts after two days of deliberations and three notes from the jury.
“We’re excited for a great result, an amazing result,” he added.
Related: Lil Durk Fans Rally Outside Courthouse as Murder-for-Hire Trial Nears End
The high-profile defense attorney also thanked Banks’ supporters, who have gathered outside the courthouse throughout the trial carrying signs and wearing “Free Durk” T-shirts.
“I do appreciate the attention you all are putting on this,” he said. “You all are putting sunshine on this system, and we believe in Durk Banks. We appreciate you bringing light to that.”
Federal prosecutors allege Banks put a plan in motion to kill rival rapper Tyquian Bowman, known to fans as Quando Rondo.
Bowman survived the daytime shooting, but his 24-year-old cousin Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson died after gunmen opened fire on the Cadillac Escalade they were riding in.
Prosecutors said Banks paid for a hit squad to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles in August 2022 as part of a plan to kill Bowman in retaliation for the death of Banks’ close friend, rapper Dayvon “King Von” Bennett.
The alleged plot fell apart when the gunmen mistakenly killed Robinson. The brazen attack dominated local news coverage the day of the shooting.
Veteran Fox 11 reporter Ed Laskos described the scene as “wild.”
“All of a sudden, the windows are blown out by gunfire,” he reported, adding that “bullets were flying all over the place.”
Banks was arrested near Miami International Airport on Oct. 24, 2024, after law enforcement learned he had booked multiple international flights.
“The apprehension of Mr. Banks as he attempted to leave the United States is once again proof that the FBI and our extraordinary partners at the Los Angeles Police Department have a long reach,” Akil Davis, then-assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said in a statement after the arrest.
Banks, now 33, pleaded not guilty to charges that include murder-for-hire and stalking.
His attorneys have said the Grammy-winning “All My Life” rapper was not involved in the shooting.
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