Lil Durk at iHeartRadio Music Festival 2023 in Las Vegas

Rapper Lil Durk Amongst Five Arraigned For Murder-For-Hire In Florida

Home / News / Rapper Lil Durk Amongst Five Arraigned For Murder-For-Hire In Florida

By Afouda Bamidele on October 25, 2024 at 12:01 PM EDT
Updated on October 25, 2024 at 12:01 PM EDT

Rapper Lil Durk has landed in the spotlight again, this time over serious allegations in Florida.

Authorities have charged the rapper and four associates from the OTF crew—a group with deep Chicago roots—with orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting Quando Rondo's cousin. 

This recent charge comes amid a long-standing feud, which escalated with the tragic 2020 shootout that claimed the life of Durk's close friend, King Von, and left several others dead. 

As Rapper Lil Durk faces these serious accusations, the case has intensified the spotlight on the violent rift between the two crews.

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Rapper Lil Durk's Arrest Reportedly Linked To Retaliation For King Von's Death

Rapper Lil Durk arrested in Florida in alleged murder for hire plot - see the mugshot
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The prominent figure in Chicago's hip-hop scene was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals on Thursday evening and booked into the Broward County Jail. 

While specific details of Durk's arrest remain scarce, his legal team, Brian Bieber and Alek Ubieta, confirmed the news and stated that the rapper will appear in federal court in Miami, FL, on Friday.

According to TMZ, federal investigators believe this crime was carried out in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Durk's close friend and fellow rapper, King Von, in Atlanta. 

The outlet also reported that the five OTF members, including Durk, were charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire at the time of their arrest. 

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King Von's Death Shook The 'Backdoor' Rapper 

In a moment that shook the hip-hop community, the drill artist was fatally shot on November 6, 2020, outside Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta. 

The tragic event took place in the early morning hours, claiming the life of the promising 26-year-old artist who had quickly risen as one of Chicago's most influential voices.

The loss struck deeply for Lil Durk, Von's close friend and collaborator, who shared an unbreakable bond with the late rapper. 

The Blast noted that the news hit Durk so hard that he immediately deactivated his Instagram account, sparking speculation that he needed time away from the public eye to process his grief. 

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This quiet response signaled to fans just how much Von's death affected him. Durk was reportedly on Instagram Live when he learned of Von's passing. Later, the 32-year-old returned briefly to social media to post a heartfelt tribute photo captioned:

"MY TWIN GONE I LOVE YOU BABY BRO - D ROY !!!!!"

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Inside The Fatal Shootout Involving The Crews

The deadly shootout left six people shot, with three dead from their injuries. At the time, it was reported that gunfire erupted between the two groups, resulting in casualties. 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported an update confirming that one of the injured individuals remained in critical condition, while the Atlanta police announced a major breakthrough in the case. 

Authorities charged 22-year-old Timothy Leeks with murder for his alleged involvement. Marla Jean Rooker, an Atlanta police spokeswoman, stated that Leeks was "in police custody at Grady Hospital where he is undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound."

"The homicide of Bennett is closed with this arrest," Rooker explained, signaling the case's resolution. 

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Lil Durk Hinted At Desire For Another Child With Fiancée India Royale

Despite the heartbreak of losing his close friend, the Def Jam signee looked toward the future, expressing his hopes for family expansion. 

After deactivating his Instagram account to cope with his grief, the rapper turned to X (formerly Twitter) nearly a year later to share his feelings with fans with a message seemingly directed to his fiancée, India Royale.

Per The Blast, Durk revealed his inner turmoil in one tweet, admitting, "I be acting like I'm happy but I'm really sad inside." He then made his desire clear, tweeting, "I want another son !!!!!"

His vulnerability resonated with followers, who encouraged Royale to help make his dream a reality. One fan humorously urged, "lol India, give that man a son," while others speculated if a new baby boy could bring the happiness Durk seeks amid his struggles.

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The Couple Already Had A Child Together 

Lil Durk and India Royale have been inseparable since 2017, sharing not only a deep connection but also the joy of parenthood. The lovebirds welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Willow Banks, in 2018, announcing her arrival through a heartfelt post on Royale's Instagram. 

The proud mom shared adorable photos of baby Willow, including a precious shot of the little one grasping a family member's finger, captioning it, "Baby Banks has arrived."

The announcement sparked an outpouring of congratulations from fans and celebrities alike, eagerly anticipating a glimpse of the baby girl's face. Willow holds a special place in their hearts as the couple's first child together, but she is not their only focus.

Royale also has a daughter named Skylar from a previous relationship, while Durk has four children from past relationships: Angelo, Bella, Du'mier, and Skyler.

The recent charges against Lil Durk and his crew have only intensified the ongoing feud between the two factions, leaving fans anxiously awaiting developments.

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