Lil Durk remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles as he awaits trial on federal charges tied to an alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy. The Chicago rapper, born Durk Banks, was originally set to face a jury in January, but at the request of his legal team, the trial was first pushed back to April to allow more time to review evidence and prepare a defense.
During the pretrial hearing it was only about 10 people present, including some of Durk’s close family and team members. He also got company from Power tv show actors Kris D. Lofton and Gianni V. Paolo.
“We would have been ready to try the case (in two weeks), but the court appropriately decided that with everybody together, we still aren’t there yet,” his attorney, Drew Findling, said. “It’s a complex case. These are the stepping stones towards a trial.”
During a pretrial hearing this week, the court delayed the proceedings once again, setting a new trial date for August 25, 2026. Rolling Stone reporter Nancy Dillon noted on social media that the delay is partly connected to a co-defendant’s request. She wrote that while the August date was set to accommodate a co-defendant’s defense, Durk’s team would prefer an earlier trial if the judge grants motions from three co-defendants seeking to have their cases severed from his.
Prosecutors allege that Durk helped orchestrate an attack targeting rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 killing of King Von, a close associate and fellow Chicago artist. In 2022, gunfire erupted outside a Los Angeles-area gas station where Rondo and his cousin, Lul Pab, were present. Rondo was not injured, but Lul Pab later died from his wounds.
Durk has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In recent weeks, the judge ruled that prosecutors may introduce certain song lyrics and music videos as evidence, a decision that has fueled debate over the use of artistic expression in criminal cases. As pretrial proceedings continue, both sides are preparing for what is expected to be a closely watched trial.
