Rapper Lil Durk has been acquitted of all charges in his federal murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles. A jury found the Grammy-winning artist, whose legal name is Durk Banks, not guilty on Friday, September 11, 2026, after three days of deliberations.
The case centred on a 2022 shooting near the Beverly Center in Los Angeles. Prosecutors alleged that Durk helped orchestrate an attack targeting rapper Quando Rondo. The shooting instead resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, 24-year-old Saviay’a Robinson.
However, the jury did not find enough evidence to convict Durk on the charges brought against him.
Lil Durk Found Not Guilty on All Five Charges
The federal jury acquitted Lil Durk on all five charges he faced in the case.
Those charges included conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking involving a dangerous weapon, stalking resulting in death, and two federal murder-for-hire charges connected to the fatal shooting.
The verdict followed roughly two weeks of testimony. Jurors then spent three days considering the evidence before reaching their decision.
Durk had pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings.
What Happened in the 2022 Shooting?
The case goes back to August 2022, when Quando Rondo and his cousin Saviay’a Robinson were targeted near a Los Angeles gas station.
According to prosecutors, the alleged attack was connected to tensions following the 2020 killing of rapper Dayvon Bennett, better known as King Von, who was a close friend of Lil Durk.
Prosecutors argued that Durk wanted revenge against Rondo. They alleged that an attack was organised to target Rondo, but Robinson was fatally shot instead.
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on testimony from cooperating witnesses who were connected to the alleged shooting.
Defence Challenged the Witnesses’ Credibility
Durk’s defence team disputed the prosecution’s account and questioned the reliability of witnesses who testified against him.
Defence lawyers argued that cooperating witnesses had reasons to shift blame toward Durk, including the possibility of receiving more favourable treatment in their own criminal cases. They also argued that Durk was not physically involved in the Los Angeles shooting.
That strategy ultimately resonated with the jury, which returned not-guilty verdicts on every charge against the rapper.
Lil Durk Is Not Free Yet
Although Lil Durk was acquitted in the murder-for-hire case, the verdict does not mean he has been released from custody.
Durk still faces a separate federal case involving racketeering and other alleged offences. According to the Los Angeles Times and Reuters, another trial is scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
As a result, Friday’s acquittal does not immediately bring an end to his legal battles.
The Verdict Drew Major Attention From Fans and Artists
The trial attracted considerable attention from the music industry.
Among those who showed support for Durk during the proceedings were Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and Machine Gun Kelly. Fans also gathered outside the Los Angeles courthouse throughout the trial.
The high-profile support reflected the rapper’s standing in the hip-hop community, while the serious allegations kept the case under intense public scrutiny.
What Happens Next for Lil Durk?
For now, Durk’s legal team has secured a major victory in the murder-for-hire case. However, his broader legal situation remains unresolved.
His upcoming racketeering trial will determine what happens next in a separate federal case. Therefore, the September 11 acquittal should not be interpreted as the conclusion of all criminal proceedings against him.
For fans following the case, the October proceedings are likely to become the next major development in Durk’s ongoing legal saga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Lil Durk on trial?
Lil Durk was prosecuted in connection with a 2022 alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo. The attack resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson.
Was Lil Durk found guilty?
No. A federal jury found Lil Durk not guilty on all five charges in the murder-for-hire case on September 11, 2026.
Is Lil Durk free after the acquittal?
No. Despite being acquitted in this case, Durk remains in custody because he faces a separate federal case.
When is Lil Durk’s next trial?
His separate racketeering trial is scheduled for October 5, 2026, according to current reporting from the Los Angeles Times and Reuters.
Who was Saviay’a Robinson?
Saviay’a Robinson was the cousin of rapper Quando Rondo. She was 24 when she was fatally shot during the 2022 Los Angeles attack that formed the basis of the federal case against Lil Durk.