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The prosecution witness detailed the alleged Quando Rondo murder-for-hire plot, explained why he contacted the FBI and admitted that he hopes his cooperation could reduce his sentence.
THE WORD
- Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester testified against Lil Durk during his federal murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles.
- Hester admitted participating in the August 2022 shooting that killed Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, Quando Rondo’s cousin.
- Hester described the shooting as “sloppy” and said Robinson was innocent in his eyes.
- He testified that he still has love for Durk but no longer respects him.
- Hester acknowledged hoping for a reduced sentence, but said the government has not promised him a specific reduction.
- Lil Durk has pleaded not guilty, and his defense is challenging the credibility and motives of the government’s cooperating witnesses.
One of the most anticipated witnesses in Lil Durk’s federal trial has taken the stand, offering jurors a firsthand account of the deadly 2022 shooting at the center of the case.
Watch Trap Lore Ross’ Report on OTF Jam’s Testimony at Lil Durk’s Murder-For-Hire Trial
Kacey Hester, formerly known as OTF Jam, testified over multiple days about his role in the alleged plot to kill Georgia rapper Quando Rondo, whose legal name is Tyquian Bowman. The August 19, 2022, attack left Bowman’s cousin, 24-year-old Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, dead outside a Los Angeles-area gas station.
According to Courthouse News Service, Hester admitted being one of three masked gunmen who fired approximately 18 rounds at the vehicle occupied by Bowman and Robinson. Bowman survived the attack.
Jam Calls the Shooting “Sloppy”
While testifying, Hester said the outcome of the shooting bothered him and described how he allegedly began having second thoughts while the group followed Bowman.
Hester reportedly told jurors that Robinson was innocent from his perspective because he did not have a personal conflict with him. He also said his issues were not connected to the online tension surrounding Quando Rondo, King Von and NBA YoungBoy.
Hester testified that he initially went along with the plan despite his concerns because interfering could have placed his own life in danger. According to courtroom reporting compiled by XXL, Hester claimed he sent a warning message during the lead-up to the shooting but received no response.
Federal prosecutors allege Durk financed and directed the attack as retaliation connected to the November 2020 death of King Von. The original federal indictment alleged that OTF-linked money helped pay for flights, lodging and other expenses associated with the trip to California.
Hester further testified that he heard Durk asking questions about the shooting during a phone call after the attack. He also claimed Durk had previously discussed a large financial reward for killing Bowman. Those statements are Hester’s allegations from the witness stand and have not been established as fact by a jury.
Why OTF Jam Contacted the FBI
Hester told the court that his cooperation began after a 2023 gun arrest. He reportedly handed officers a note saying he possessed information about murders but did not want to discuss it while police body cameras were recording.
When prosecutors asked why he decided to speak, Hester said the shooting had been weighing on him. He also acknowledged that cooperating against people connected to his former life could continue to place him in danger.
The most complicated part of his testimony may be his description of his relationship with Durk. Hester told jurors he still has love for the Chicago rapper because Durk previously helped him, but he no longer respects him.
His Potential Sentence Becomes a Central Issue
Hester has pleaded guilty in connection with Robinson’s death and admitted that he hopes his cooperation will result in a reduced sentence. However, he testified that prosecutors have not promised him a particular reduction and that he could still receive life in federal prison.
That distinction is expected to remain central to the defense’s attack on his credibility. Durk’s attorneys contend that the cooperating witnesses have reasons to shift responsibility toward the case’s most famous defendant. The defense maintains that Durk was not involved in organizing the shooting.
An online video attributed to a recorded jail call has also circulated, allegedly capturing Hester discussing plans to return home with millions of dollars and a recording deal. The identity of the speaker and the recording’s full context have not been independently verified. Nothing presented publicly confirms that prosecutors or a record label promised Hester either benefit.
Meek Mill Questions Jam’s Credibility
Hester’s testimony has also sparked reaction outside the courtroom. Meek Mill criticized the cooperating witness on X, calling him a “heathen” and saying he would not believe him.
As HotNewHipHop reported, Meek’s criticism focused on Hester admitting to violent crimes while asking jurors to accept his testimony against Durk.
Durk has pleaded not guilty. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the charges are allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
“Hester admitted that he hopes his cooperation reduces his sentence, but testified that the government has not promised him a specific outcome.”
Read Some of OTF Jam’s Testimony as Transcribed by Journalist Michael Blackshire
OTF Jam: You don’t get in the way of somebody tryna kill somebody where I’m from, that’ll get you killed. They paid for my flight. I don’t know how to even book a flight.— Michael Blackshire (@Blackshireflick) August 27, 2026
Read Some of OTF Jam’s Testimony as Transcribed by Journalist Michael Blackshire
