A jury in Las Vegas, United States, found Davis guilty of armed murder in connection with the death of Tupac Shakur, who was shot on September 7, 1996.
Davis, 63, arrived in court wearing a black suit. After the verdict was read, he said he would appeal the decision. Members of Tupac’s family who were present in court were visibly emotional, with some crying and others embracing one another.
Tupac Shakur was 25 years old when he was killed and was one of the world’s most influential rap artists at the time. He left behind a major legacy in hip-hop, with his music selling more than 75 million records worldwide.
The case surrounding Tupac Shakur’s murder had remained unresolved for nearly 30 years, with no one previously convicted over his death. Davis therefore becomes the first person to be found guilty in connection with the killing.
Prosecutors argued that although Davis was not the person who pulled the trigger, he played a key role in planning the attack and provided the gun allegedly used by his nephew, Orlando Anderson, who was suspected of firing the shots that killed the rapper.
According to prosecutors, the attack was an act of revenge following an altercation involving Orlando Anderson, Tupac and members of Tupac’s entourage in Las Vegas just hours before the shooting.
Among the evidence presented during the trial were statements made by Davis himself over the years, in which he reportedly admitted that he was inside the white Cadillac from which the shots that killed Tupac were fired.
In 2008, Davis spoke to police about his alleged involvement in Tupac’s death during a confidential interview connected to the investigation into the murder of another famous rapper, The Notorious B.I.G.
He later discussed his alleged role further in his 2019 book, Compton Street Legend.
Prosecutors told the jury that Davis had spent years publicly discussing his involvement in Tupac’s death through interviews, written accounts and conversations with police investigators.
However, Davis’ defense lawyers argued that his statements should not have been taken as the truth. They claimed that he was exaggerating and boasting in order to promote his book and make money.
His lawyer, Michael Sanft, urged the jury not to believe Davis’ statements, arguing that Davis was a man who told stories to attract attention and promote himself.
Following the conviction, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny announced that Davis would be sentenced on October 13, 2026.
Davis said he would appeal the court’s decision, but the judge explained that an appeal could only proceed after he had been formally sentenced.
