Lil Durk Denied Bail Again in Murder-for-Hire Case
Rapper Lil Durk will remain behind bars as he awaits his upcoming trial, marking another loss in his high-profile murder-for-hire case.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald rejected the Chicago rapper’s latest bid for release, citing concerns over flight risk and the strength of evidence against him.
Durk’s proposed bail package included $4.5 million in cash, 24-hour home detention, electronic monitoring, and private security.
However, Judge Fitzgerald noted that “the proffered funds are only a fraction of the defendant’s net worth,” and expressed skepticism about Durks’s intent to appear in court in his five-page order.
He emphasized the gravity of the charges, which carry a potential life sentence if Durk, born Durk Banks, is convicted. He warned that such a severe penalty “would make any innocent defendant consider flight as the rational alternative.”
The judge also pointed to Banks’ actions shortly after other defendants were arrested. While he acknowledged Banks’ claimed “business and spiritual reasons to travel to the Middle East,” Fitzgerald found no clear explanation for why Banks bought tickets to Dubai just after arrests in the case. “The court finds that defendant did attempt to flee abroad,” he said.
The “All My Life” emcee is facing serious charges for allegedly hiring hitmen to carry out a daylight shooting in Los Angeles on August 19, 2022.
Prosecutors allege that the plot targeted Quando Rondo, whom the rapper believed was involved in the death of his friend, King Von. The incident ultimately resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, who was hit in the crossfire. Meanwhile, Durk has denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence.
When he appeared in court on June 2, he was supported by dozens of fans and family members, including his wife, India Royale.
Durk’s trial is scheduled to commence on October 14.
