Keefe D : “Alleged 2Pac Murder Accomplice Enters Not Guilty Plea Amid Legal Representation Shift

Duane “Keefe D” Davis, the accused accomplice in the alleged murder of 2Pac, formally declared his plea of not guilty in a Las Vegas courthouse during his recent arraignment on Thursday (November 2), as reported by Pitchfork. Davis appeared with legal representation from a public defender.

This legal representation change from his initially appointed attorney, prominent Las Vegas lawyer Ross Goodman, marks a shift in strategy. According to reports, Davis and Goodman parted ways due to disagreements over payment terms, leading to Davis claiming an inability to afford private legal counsel.

Presently, Davis is being represented by Robert Arroyo and Charles Cano from the public defender’s office, contrasting with Goodman’s earlier assessment of the case’s weaknesses and his client’s non-threatening disposition, suggesting Davis should be released on his own recognizance.

The 2Pac murder trial has encountered numerous hurdles, with one of the most significant challenges revolving around Suge Knight’s refusal to testify about the events of September 7, 1996, casting a shadow over the investigation.

TMZ interviewed the former Death Row Records co-founder back in October. Knight expressed surprise and reluctance regarding Keefe D’s arrest, emphasizing a shared history with Keefe D, even if implying uncertainty about his involvement in the case.

Charged for “murder with the use of a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further, or assist a criminal gang,” Keefe D, the only living suspect, is allegedly responsible for orchestrating the hit against 2Pac, supposedly in retaliation for an altercation involving 2Pac’s entourage and Orlando Anderson, Keefe D’s nephew, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The fatal drive-by shooting occurred later that night when a vehicle approached 2Pac and Suge Knight’s car at an intersection, resulting in 2Pac’s demise and Knight’s injuries. Knight affirmed that Orlando Anderson was not the shooter, refuting popular belief.

2Pac passed away in the hospital six days after sustaining the gunshot wounds, marking the tragic end of the iconic rapper’s life at the age of 25.