Tupac Shakur murder trial: Key details as proceedings begin

More than 30 years after the killing of

More than 30 years after the killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur in a drive-by shooting, the case has finally reached a courtroom. The man charged with supplying the firearm used in the attack now faces trial, marking a long-awaited turn in one of hip-hop's most enduring mysteries. Here is a breakdown of the case as it unfolds.

The trial centers on Duane "Keffe D" Davis, a former Compton gang leader, who is accused of handing over the weapon to the shooter in the September 1996 ambush on the Las Vegas Strip. Shakur was struck multiple times and died six days later at the age of 25. Davis was arrested in September 2023, nearly three decades after the crime, following renewed scrutiny and his own public admissions in interviews and a memoir.

Prosecutors argue that Davis orchestrated the retaliation against Shakur after a brawl earlier that evening involving the rapper and his entourage. They claim Davis, riding in a white Cadillac with associates, identified Shakur's vehicle and provided the gun that led to the fatal shots. Defense attorneys, however, contend that Davis is being scapegoated and that the evidence is largely circumstantial, built on the word of witnesses with questionable credibility.

The case has faced numerous legal hurdles, including

The case has faced numerous legal hurdles, including delays over evidence and witness testimonies. Davis, now in his 60s, has been held without bail since his arrest, and his health has been a concern during pretrial hearings. This week, jury selection is underway, with opening statements expected shortly after, setting the stage for a trial that could last several weeks.

For decades, Shakur's murder remained unsolved, fueling countless theories and documentaries. The trial offers a rare chance for legal resolution, though it comes with significant challenges—key witnesses have died, and the passage of time may have faded memories. As the proceedings progress, the world watches to see if justice can finally be served for a cultural icon whose legacy still resonates.