Police responded to reports of gunfire near the Las Vegas courthouse as prosecutors presented evidence in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis.
Gunfire was reportedly heard near the Las Vegas courthouse Tuesday as prosecutors continued presenting evidence in the long-awaited murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is charged in connection with the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur.
Davis, 63, has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors also allege that he acted to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.
Importantly, Davis is not accused of being the person who fired the shots that killed Shakur.
Police Respond to Reported Gunfire Near Courthouse
The reported gunfire occurred as jurors were hearing evidence in the case.
Police responded to the area around Casino Center Boulevard and searched nearby businesses after reports of gunshots. Authorities did not find a confirmed shooting victim.
The reported incident also did not disrupt the trial proceedings.
The timing nevertheless drew immediate attention because of the high-profile nature of the case and the decades-long mystery surrounding Shakur’s killing.
What Prosecutors Say Happened Before Tupac Was Killed
Prosecutors contend that the events leading to Shakur’s death began with a confrontation involving Davis’ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, and members of Shakur’s entourage.
The confrontation occurred hours before Shakur was fatally wounded following a Mike Tyson fight at the MGM Grand.
Jurors have been shown casino surveillance footage depicting men involved in an altercation inside the hotel.
Additional footage showed Shakur and members of his entourage moving through the casino as police and security personnel responded.
Anderson was also captured speaking with officers while wearing a Miami Dolphins jersey.
Shakur Was Riding With Suge Knight When Gunfire Erupted
Later that night, Shakur and Marion “Suge” Knight were traveling in a black BMW.
Prosecutors allege that a white Cadillac carrying Davis, Anderson and two other men pulled alongside their vehicle.
Gunfire then erupted, striking Shakur.
Former Las Vegas police officer Dean O’Kelley testified about the subsequent investigation. He told jurors that officers recovered multiple shell casings at the scene and recalled reports describing a white Cadillac occupied by four Black men.
Jurors have also been shown evidence connected to the shooting and heard testimony from a forensic pathologist about efforts to save Shakur.
Tupac’s Sister Thanks Reporters Outside Courthouse
During a lunch recess, Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, addressed reporters outside the courthouse.
“Thank you so much for being here,” she said. “For covering this. Thank you.”
Her appearance came as the trial continues to attract significant public and media attention nearly three decades after Shakur’s death.
Tupac Murder Trial Expected to Last About a Month
The case against Davis is expected to continue for approximately one month, with prosecutors anticipating more than 200 potential witnesses.
Among those who could testify are Knight and members of Shakur’s family.
The reported gunfire near the courthouse adds an extraordinary moment to an already historic trial, but authorities have not confirmed that the incident was connected to the proceedings or the Tupac case.
For now, Davis remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
