Grammy-Winning Rapper Faces Charges in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
Rapper Lil Durk, born Durk Devontay Banks, was arrested in South Florida in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot, as reported by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Records show that Banks is currently being held by the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to a federal criminal complaint filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Banks is accused of leading the Chicago-based rap collective “Only the Family” (OTF), which allegedly carries out violent acts, including murder and assault, under Banks’ direction. The complaint states that Banks placed a monetary bounty on an individual identified only as “T.B.” with whom he had an ongoing feud.
The feud reportedly traces back to November 6, 2020, when T.B. was involved in a murder that resulted in the death of Dayvon Bennett, known as rapper King Von, who was a close friend of Banks, according to the Department of Justice. In response to Bennett’s death, Banks allegedly put a bounty on T.B.’s life.
Nearly two years later, on August 19, 2022, multiple members of OTF allegedly tracked T.B. to a gas station in Los Angeles and attempted to kill him, firing at least 18 rounds at his vehicle. However, the shooting resulted in the death of S.R., a family member of T.B., according to court documents.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, whose office is handling the case, described the alleged act as a “cold-blooded” and “callous” crime, noting that it took place at a busy gas station intersection, putting numerous bystanders at risk. Banks and five co-conspirators face charges of murder, murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death.
Court filings indicate that Banks allegedly financed the attack, using OTF funds to support the hit. Prosecutors say that five individuals were paid to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles the day before the shooting to carry out the plot. Around the time of the flight bookings, Banks reportedly instructed an OTF associate not to use any names connected to him.
Following a series of arrests, search warrants were executed at multiple OTF-linked locations. Banks appeared in Miami’s C. Clyde Atkins U.S. Courthouse on Friday for his first hearing. Banks’ lawyer, Alek Ubieta, declined to comment on the case.
The Department of Justice has confirmed that Banks and the other five defendants are expected to be arraigned in federal court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. If convicted, they each face a potential life sentence in federal prison.
Lil Durk, 32, is one of the most recognized figures in drill rap, a hip-hop subgenre with Chicago roots that often reflects gang culture and street life. Known for his hit collaborations and platinum-certified albums “The Voice” and “7220,” Banks also received a Grammy this year for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “All My Life” featuring J. Cole. His latest album was scheduled for release next month.
