In a significant development, Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Durk, born Durk Banks, was arrested in Florida on federal charges related to a high-profile attempted revenge killing of fellow rapper Quando Rondo.
According to an FBI affidavit released on Friday, the 32-year-old rapper allegedly paid for a plot to target Rondo in 2022, resulting in the fatal shooting of Rondo's cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, at a gas station in Los Angeles.
Durk, now facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, was taken into custody in South Florida after authorities discovered he was attempting to leave the country.
Five other members of Durk's Chicago-based rap collective, "Only the Family" (OTF), have also been detained, with further arrests anticipated.
FBI Agent Sarah Corcoran described in her affidavit that Durk and his associates within OTF reportedly engage in violent activities to maintain their status in the group, often acting under his direction.
The case traces back to a longstanding feud stemming from the 2020 death of OTF member King Von, who was killed following a physical altercation with Quando Rondo at an Atlanta nightclub.
Durk is said to have later offered a bounty for Rondo's death, a desire that reportedly led to the 2022 plot against him.
On August 18, 2022, associates of Durk, including Deandre Wilson, Keith Jones, David Lindsey, and Asa Houston, traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles using funds provided by the rapper. They were reportedly outfitted with ski masks, firearms, and vehicles by top OTF associate Kayon Grant upon arrival.
On August 19, 2022, the group allegedly tracked Rondo and Robinson through various locations in Los Angeles before ambushing them at a gas station near the Beverly Center, resulting in Robinson's death.
According to court records, the suspects discussed payment for the attack with Grant before returning to Chicago. Following the arrests, Durk attempted to book flights to Dubai, Switzerland, and finally Italy but was apprehended by the FBI in Miami.
Durk’s recent honors from Chicago’s suburbs, related to his work with the Neighborhood Heroes Foundation, have been rescinded in light of the charges.
Broadview’s Mayor Katrina Thompson announced her withdrawal of support for the charity partnership, citing the importance of aligning public partnerships with community values. Both Durk and his associates remain in custody pending transfer to Los Angeles to face trial.
