Full Breakdown
Lil Durk Murder-For-Hire Trial: OTF Jam’s Cross-Examination Raises Credibility Questions
8/29/2026, 4:01:20 AM
Core Event – August 27 Cross-Examination
On Thursday, August 27, the federal court heard a tense cross-examination of Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester, a 34-year-old former member of Chicago’s Black Disciples and longtime associate of rapper Lil Durk. Defense attorney Brian Steel repeatedly challenged Hester’s testimony, accusing him of lying about his family’s dependence on him, of taking a deal to secure an early release, and of fabricating claims that Durk offered a bounty for a Los Angeles shooting.
Background & Context
The trial stems from an alleged murder-for-hire plot tied to the 2020 killing of rapper King Von, a close collaborator of Durk. Prosecutors allege that Durk ordered OTF members to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles in August 2022 to “track, stalk, hunt and kill” rival rapper Quando Rondo. The target was missed; instead, Rondo’s cousin Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson was killed in a gas-station shooting on Beverly Boulevard. Two other suspects, David “Browneyez” Lindsey and Deandre “OTF Dede” Wilson, also face charges.
Key Figures
- Lil Durk (Durk Banks) – Chicago rapper charged with ordering the Los Angeles shooting.
- Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester – Former OTF crew member, cooperating witness who testified he participated in the shooting.
- Brian Steel – Lead defense attorney for Durk.
- Marissa Goldberg – Defense lawyer who argues that Kavon “Vonnie” Grant, not Durk, orchestrated the plot.
- Daniel Weiner – Federal prosecutor.
- Kavon “Vonnie” Grant – OTF shooter who has flipped and is expected to testify.
Data & Statistics
- Hester served a 12-year prison term and was released on February 28, 2022.
- The Los Angeles shooting involved five suspects and occurred in August 2022.
- Hester alleges he received $10,000 to record a track with Durk, but no cash reward for the hit was paid.
- The prosecution presented surveillance video of the suspects eating at an In-N-Out Burger after the shooting.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Daniel Weiner argued that Durk was “consumed with revenge” after King Von’s death and coordinated the travel of OTF members to Los Angeles. Text messages released by the prosecution show Durk writing, “I gotta go all out for him,” and “I can’t let this slide.”
Defense lawyer Marissa Goldberg countered that the true mastermind was Kavon “Vonnie” Grant, describing Grant’s decision to implicate Durk as an “insurance policy.”
During cross-examination, Steel suggested that Hester’s testimony is self-serving, noting that Hester seeks a reduced sentence and “going home” is his primary mission.
Verbatim Quotes
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A May 2023 recording of Hester speaking to federal officers indicates he told investigators he and Durk had not discussed retaliation against Quando Rondo or Lul Pab. This contradicts Hester’s earlier courtroom testimony that Durk had placed a bounty on the target. The defense highlighted the discrepancy to challenge Hester’s credibility; prosecutors have not provided a public explanation.
What’s Next
The trial, which began in late August, is slated to continue for several more weeks. Additional cooperating witnesses, including Kavon “Vonnie” Grant, are expected to testify. Observers note that high-profile figures such as Ye and MGK have attended recent sessions, underscoring the case’s cultural prominence.
