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Prosecutors say rapper Lil Durk may be linked to second killing as judge orders him jailed in L.A. case

BBG News

As a seasoned music enthusiast who has attended countless concerts and festivals over the years, I find it disheartening to see the legal troubles that some artists face. The recent accusations against Lil Durk, a rapper whose music I have enjoyed for many years, are particularly troubling.

On Thursday, it was announced by federal prosecutors that rapper Lil Durk, currently facing charges for orchestrating a murder in Los Angeles two years ago, could potentially be connected to another homicide in Chicago. These fresh accusations appear to have played a role in a judge’s decision to keep the Grammy-nominated artist detained as his trial progresses.

At a detention hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue stated that the 32-year-old rapper, known as Durk Devontay Banks in legal documents, possesses substantial means and the capacity to leave the country.

Legal representatives for the banks advocated for his freedom, proposing a bail bond backed by approximately $2.3 million in property equity from two houses in Georgia and $1 million in liquid assets. Moreover, they pledged to provide round-the-clock security to uphold the court’s stipulations.

California

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It is reported that the individuals accused of carrying out multiple contract killings in Los Angeles have been careless, as evidenced by a series of clues left behind which implicate the crimes in ongoing gang conflicts in Chicago.

Over thirty individuals, comprising relatives, acquaintances, and Sony Music officials, filled the courtroom to capacity. This courtroom, as Assistant U.S. Atty. Ian Yanniello described it, serves as an indicator of Banks’ status, suggesting that he is a highly influential person with substantial resources at his disposal.

“This case is about how he used that power and used that influence and how he used those resources to promote and perpetuate violence with deadly consequence,” Yanniello said.

As a film critic, I find myself delving into the intriguing world of “City of Lies,” where the narrative is as captivating off-screen as it is on. This time, the spotlight is on rapper Quando Rondo, whose cousin met an unfortunate end in a failed ambush near the Beverly Center mall in Los Angeles, 2022. However, the focus shifts dramatically when allegations arise that someone high up, namely Banks, orchestrated the murder of Quando Rondo himself. The suspense is palpable as we await the unraveling of this enigmatic tale.

In a filing submitted on Thursday, the prosecutors referred to another federal case in Chicago, specifically the murder of Stephon Mack that took place near a youth center.

A warrant obtained in April 2023, initially kept confidential but made available with redactions on Wednesday, claims that Banks proposed monetary rewards for individuals to carry out the murders of those responsible for his brother’s death. Specifically, it suggests he was willing to pay money for any member of the Gangster Disciples gang who met this fate.

In June 2021, it was reported that Dontay Banks, Jr., the younger brother of a banker, was fatally shot outside a nightclub in Harvey, Illinois.

The evidence gathered for this case suggests that the defendant offered rewards to encourage additional murders, even going so far as to target a relative of a witness. California prosecutors asserted in their filing that the defendant operates with a pattern of behavior: he leverages his power, wealth, connections, and any pre-trial freedom to potentially endanger anyone he deems a threat, such as witnesses in this case.

California

It was said that Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa was allegedly killed by his father-in-law, a well-known Mexican drug lord often referred to as El Mencho. However, he was apprehended by the authorities this week in Riverside.

Representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Illinois announced that two individuals, Anthony Montgomery-Wilson and Preston Powell, are currently facing charges for Mack’s murder. When questioned about the involvement of Banks, the representative chose not to provide any further information.

In simpler terms, Jonathan Brayman, who is one of Banks’ lawyers, mentioned after a court hearing about his detention that Banks himself hasn’t been accused of any involvement in the Chicago shooting. The legal team does not foresee charges being brought against him either.

Drew Findling, another lawyer representing Banks, stated that the information emerging from there is irrelevant to us. Our client plays no role in that matter; it’s not connected to our case.

At the court hearing regarding his detention, Banks flashed a smile towards his wife and mother, who wept throughout the process. As U.S. marshals escorted him away, Banks gestured with a kiss to his wife.

“We love you,” his family and friends shouted at him in the hallway outside the courtroom.

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2024-12-13 06:31

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