Duane “Keefe D.” Davis, the last living suspect linked to the infamous 1996 murder of iconic rapper Tupac Shakur, has formally pleaded not guilty. As previously reported, Keefe D. was apprehended on September 29, marking a significant development in the decades-long investigation.
According to reliable sources, the 60-year-old Keefe D. made his appearance in a Clark County courtroom located in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 2. A report from Fox 35 Orlando indicates that the accused, donning shackles, acknowledged his wife, son, and daughter in the gallery before taking his position in the courtroom.
Presiding over the proceedings, Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones called upon Keefe D. to enter his plea in response to the murder charge. In a clear voice, the 60-year-old defendant proclaimed his innocence, stating unequivocally, “Not guilty.”
Following this plea, Judge Jones informed Keefe D. that the prosecution had decided not to seek the death penalty in his case. Instead, if convicted, the accused could face a life sentence, effectively ensuring imprisonment for the remainder of his days. This development sets the stage for a potentially lengthy legal battle, as the accused aims to prove his innocence.
To ensure Keefe D.’s right to a fair trial, Judge Jones appointed two public defenders to represent him. The legal team, identified as Robert Arroyo and Charles Cano, will advocate for Keefe D. at the expense of taxpayers. This decision came after the suspect’s bid for a private defense attorney, Ross Goodman, was unsuccessful.
Goodman, in previous statements to the media, expressed doubts about the strength of the prosecution’s case. He highlighted the lack of substantial evidence and witnesses, including the absence of a weapon or vehicle directly tied to the charges against his client. These concerns may play a pivotal role in shaping the defense strategy moving forward.
Looking ahead, Keefe D.’s trial will soon enter the next phase of proceedings. Scheduled for November 7, the court appearance will primarily focus on determining the trial schedule. The date marks a critical milestone in the pursuit of justice for the untimely demise of Tupac Shakur, a tragedy that has captivated the public’s attention for over two decades.
As the legal drama unfolds, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this highly-anticipated trial, poised to shed new light on a case that has left an indelible mark on the history of hip-hop and popular culture.