Grammy-Winning Musician Charged with ‘Murder for Hire’ Plot

In a dramatic turn of events, Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk was arrested in Florida on Thursday night, facing federal charges for allegedly orchestrating an attempted murder-for-hire plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo. The 2022 shooting left Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, dead at a Los Angeles gas station.

According to an FBI affidavit released Friday, Durk, 32, whose real name is Durk Banks, is accused of conspiring to commit murder in a violent act of revenge that stems from the 2020 killing of fellow OTF rapper King Von.

The FBI claims the Chicago-based rapper was arrested while trying to flee the country, having booked last-minute flights to Dubai, Switzerland, and even a private flight to Italy. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada of Los Angeles condemned the attack as “a cold-blooded murder,” adding that the public nature of the shooting at a busy gas station “endangered many others in the area” and showed “zero regard for human life.”

Five additional members of Durk’s rap group, “Only the Family” (OTF), were also arrested, with authorities indicating that more arrests could follow. Federal Agent Sarah Corcoran alleged in her affidavit that OTF members engage in violent acts “at the direction of Banks,” pointing to an organizational structure that prioritizes loyalty and violence.

The backstory to this alleged revenge plot is intense: In November 2020, King Von, a close friend and collaborator of Durk’s, was killed in Atlanta after a fight with Rondo. The FBI’s affidavit claims Durk soon began offering a bounty on Rondo’s life. Two years later, the revenge plot allegedly started taking shape. Durk’s associates reportedly tracked down Rondo in Los Angeles, arranging travel plans funded by Durk himself. On Aug. 18, 2022, Corcoran’s affidavit describes the group as staying in L.A. hotels, purchasing ski masks, renting luxury cars, and obtaining firearms — including one converted into a machine gun — as they prepared to track and target Rondo.

The group allegedly shadowed Rondo’s movements on Aug. 19, following him to a West Hollywood clothing store and then a gas station near the Beverly Center, where, according to the indictment, the OTF members ambushed Rondo and Robinson, killing Robinson.

Corcoran states that after the killing, the OTF members regrouped at an In-N-Out Burger, discussed payment, and then quickly flew back to Chicago. Arrest warrants followed for several key OTF members: Deandre Wilson, Keith Jones, David Lindsey, Asa Houston, and Kayon Grant. Authorities say Wilson paid the gunmen after their return to Chicago.

The arrest marks a dark chapter in the rapper’s life. Earlier this year, Lil Durk received Grammy acclaim for his song “All My Life” featuring J. Cole, which won Best Melodic Rap Performance. His legal history, however, has long been controversial. In 2019, Durk and King Von faced charges in Atlanta related to a drive-by shooting, which were later dropped for Durk following Von’s death. Durk also pleaded guilty in 2014 to felony charges for carrying a firearm on the streets of Chicago.

The rapper has recently received public honors and formed alliances in his home state of Illinois. Two Chicago suburbs, Bellwood and Broadview, had honored Durk’s charitable work with his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation, which provides mentorship for youth. However, Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson swiftly withdrew the honorary key to her village and cut ties with his foundation, stating that residents “have even higher moral and ethical standards of behavior.”

Durk’s representatives have not commented publicly on the charges. He and the other defendants remain in custody, awaiting transfer to Los Angeles.