Full Breakdown
Lil Durk Acquitted in Federal Murder-For-Hire Trial Over 2022 Los Angeles Shooting
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A federal jury in downtown Los Angeles found rapper Durk Banks—known as Lil Durk—not guilty on all five counts, including conspiracy, interstate murder-for-hire, and stalking resulting in death. The verdict was delivered on September 11 after three days of deliberations. Co-defendants Deandre Dontrell Wilson and David Brian Lindsey were convicted of stalking-related charges but acquitted of the murder-for-hire allegations.
Background & Context
Prosecutors tied the case to a feud that began with the 2020 killing of Chicago rapper King Von, a close associate of Banks. They alleged Banks sought retaliation against Georgia rapper Tyquian Bowman (Quando Rondo), accusing him of involvement in Von’s death. On August 19 2022, a gun-fire ambush at a Los Angeles gas station injured Bowman and killed his 24-year-old cousin, Saviay’a Robinson.
Timeline
- August 19 2022 – Shooting that killed Saviay’a Robinson.
- Early September 2026 – Two-week federal trial in Los Angeles.
- September 8 – Jury began deliberations.
- September 11 – Jury returned not-guilty verdicts for Banks.
Data & Statistics
- Five federal charges faced by Banks: conspiracy, use of interstate facilities for murder-for-hire resulting in death, and two stalking counts.
- Convictions for Wilson and Lindsey: conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking using a dangerous weapon, and stalking resulting in death.
- Potential sentence for a murder-for-hire conviction: life imprisonment.
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Yanniello presented a text in which Banks wrote, “Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit me,” to suggest concealment. U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald warned the gallery to “maintain decorum” as the verdicts were read, noting the decision was final for this trial.
Criticism & Opposition
Defense attorneys argued the government’s case relied on cooperating witnesses who testified for reduced sentences. Drew Findling called the case “flooded” and a “tsunami of reasonable doubt,” emphasizing the lack of proof that Banks paid anyone. Brian Steel said the witnesses’ credibility was compromised by their criminal histories. Both attorneys maintained that former personal assistant Kavon Grant, not Banks, orchestrated the plot.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This case is flooded. It is a tsunami of reasonable doubt,” — Drew Findling, defense lawyer
- “No one is saying he was the one on the ground with a gun in his hand in Los Angeles, but you know this story doesn’t happen without him, and it doesn’t make sense without his leadership.” — Durk Banks
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Prosecutors presented a text they said showed an attempt to hide flight bookings; the defense claimed it referred to an unrelated trip that Banks never took. The government also cited credit-card charges linking Banks to the shooters’ travel, while the defense argued no transactions proved payment for the plot.
What’s Next
The racketeering count severed from the September 2026 trial remains pending. Prosecutors may pursue a separate proceeding under the federal Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Activity statute, keeping Banks in custody while the next phase is scheduled.
