Lil Durk Denied Bond Amid Accusations of Witness Intimidation
Lil Durk is facing serious new allegations in his ongoing federal case, with prosecutors accusing the Chicago-based rapper of threatening witnesses tied to an alleged murder-for-hire plot.
According to a recent legal filing obtained by AllHipHop, U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli claimed that threats have already been made against individuals connected to the case.
“[Lil Durk] is not on trial for his lyrics or his music; he is on trial because he directed, orchestrated, and financed the brazen murder plot at issue in this case,” Essayli stated, adding, “The motion fails to cite any legitimate basis to dismiss the indictment or unseal grand jury transcripts, particularly in this murder case where witnesses and their family members have already been threatened.”
Durk, born Durk Banks, and his legal team have pushed back against the charges, arguing that prosecutors have inappropriately cited his lyrics, recorded months before the alleged crime, as evidence.
Late last month, Durk’s family issued a statement denouncing what they called a miscarriage of justice. “The government presented false evidence to a grand jury to indict him,” the statement read. “This isn’t justice. That’s a violation of the very system that’s supposed to protect all of us.”
“Durk has always used music to tell stories, to express pain, to heal—and yet those same lyrics are now being used against him,” it continued. “We refuse to stay silent as Black artists continue to be criminalized for their creativity. Rap is art.”
Meanwhile, a federal judge has denied the rapper’s latest request for bond. U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue pointed to concerns over Durk’s alleged behavior while in custody. “It shows a disrespect for the rules, and that is precisely the court's concern,” she said, referencing reports that he broke phone communication policies.
The rapper is facing multiple federal charges, including conspiracy, using interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire, and using firearms in furtherance of a violent crime. Prosecutors allege the rapper orchestrated a plot to kill Quando Rondo, which ultimately led to the death of Rondo’s cousin, Savaiy’a Robinson.
Durk has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held without bond at a South Florida jail. His trial is expected to begin later this year.
