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Prosecutors Begin Arguments in Duane “Keffe D” Davis Murder Trial

8/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. prosecutors began opening arguments Monday in the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis.
The defense rested Thursday after presenting testimony from three former Las Vegas police officers.
Attorney Michael Sanft argued the case lacks physical evidence and highlighted gaps in the police file.
Shakur’s family attended the trial, describing the three-decade-old case as retraumatizing.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial revealed LAPD mishandling of DNA and lost photo evidence, presenting 1,105 items of evidence before a not-guilty verdict that split public opinion. The case spurred California’s evidence-code changes and nationwide calls for stricter forensic protocols, pressures that echo in later high-profile murder prosecutions and ongoing media scrutiny of evidence handling.

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Story summary

U.S. prosecutors began opening arguments Monday in the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis.
The defense rested Thursday after presenting testimony from three former Las Vegas police officers.
Attorney Michael Sanft argued the case lacks physical evidence and highlighted gaps in the police file.
Shakur’s family attended the trial, describing the three-decade-old case as retraumatizing.

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