Rapper Lil Durk has been found not guilty of the most serious charges in a federal murder-for-hire case that drew national attention. The verdict came on Friday, September 11, 2026, after a trial that centered around an alleged hit on rapper Quando Rondo. Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was cleared of conspiracy, stalking resulting in death, and murder-for-hire charges. Prosecutors said Durk planned the shooting in retaliation for the 2020 killing of his close friend King Von. The incident resulted in the death of Quando Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson. Durk’s legal team argued that the case relied heavily on witnesses who had incentives to testify and had already pled guilty.
Rapper Lil Durk has been found not guilty of the most serious charges in a federal murder-for-hire case that drew national attention. The verdict came on Friday, September 11, 2026, after a trial that centered around an alleged hit on rapper Quando Rondo. Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was cleared of conspiracy, stalking resulting in death, and murder-for-hire charges. The jury acquitted Durk on all five charges submitted against him. Those charges also included stalking with a dangerous weapon and two separate murder-for-hire counts.
Prosecutors said Durk planned the shooting in retaliation for the 2020 killing of his close friend King Von. The incident resulted in the death of Quando Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson. Durk’s legal team argued that the case relied heavily on witnesses who had incentives to testify and had already pled guilty. Reuters reported that three associates reached plea agreements and testified for the prosecution.
The courtroom was filled with family members and friends during the trial, including Durk’s wife, India Royale, according to bollywoodshaadis.com. India Royale, a beauty influencer and entrepreneur based in Chicago, was one of the most visible figures in court throughout the proceedings. She has been linked with Durk for several years and they have built a blended family together. Their relationship became public over time, and Durk proposed to her at Lollapalooza in 2021. The couple married in 2024, just before Durk was arrested on charges tied to the 2022 shooting. India Royale has played a central role in supporting Durk through his legal battle, especially since his arrest in October 2024.
Durk has seven children, including his oldest with former partner Nicole Covone and his youngest with India Royale. His children include Angelo, Bella, Zayden, Romeo, Du’mier, Skylar, and Willow. Durk has spoken publicly about the importance of family throughout his life and career, even during legal struggles. His son Zayden has been vocal in support of his father, highlighting Durk’s charitable work and dedication to community.
The trial concluded with a celebration from supporters of Banks, who praised the jury for their decision, according to a report from Devdiscourse. While Durk was acquitted, two of his co-defendants were found guilty of stalking and related charges, CBS News reported. Deandre “OTF Dede” Wilson and David “Browneyez” Lindsey were convicted of conspiracy to commit stalking but not of the murder-for-hire charge. They were also convicted of stalking with a dangerous weapon and stalking resulting in death. Another defendant, Keith “Flacka” Jones, pleaded guilty to the murder of Robinson and testified against Durk, Wilson, and Lindsey.
If convicted, Durk could have faced a life sentence in the case. Despite being cleared of charges, Durk remains in custody on a separate racketeering charge. He is still awaiting trial for that offense, which remains pending. Reuters reported that his second trial is scheduled to begin October 5 and includes murder-related racketeering and weapons offenses. Wilson and Lindsey also face trial on those remaining counts.
Durk’s legal team and supporters have expressed relief at the outcome of this case, which centered on allegations he orchestrated a hit. The trial brought attention to the rapper’s role in Chicago’s music scene and his public life beyond the stage. He won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his song “All My Life” featuring J. Cole.
Durk’s case has drawn media and public interest due to its high-profile nature and the personal stakes involved. The Associated Press reported that Ye and Machine Gun Kelly were among the supporters who attended the trial. The courtroom was filled with emotion as the verdict was announced, with Durk breaking down in tears. His wife India Royale comforted his mother during the moment, showing how deeply this case affected the entire family. The Los Angeles Times reported that more than 60 people were packed into the courtroom when the verdict was read.
IMAGE: Lil Durk in 2022. Photo: JD Sports / Wikimedia, taken 2022-04-20, CC BY 3.0