After a rigorous two-week legal proceeding, the murder-for-hire trial involving Chicago rapper Lil Durk has officially reached a conclusion. On Friday, September 11, 2026, a Los Angeles jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all charges against the 33-year-old artist, following three days of intensive deliberation.
The trial, which drew significant public and media attention, centered on allegations that the rapper orchestrated a plot to target Quando Rondo in 2022. While the jury cleared Lil Durk of the murder-for-hire charges, the legal situation remains complex. According to reports from journalist Meghann Cuniff, who provided extensive coverage of the proceedings, co-defendants Deandre Dontrell Wilson (OTF Dede) and David Brian Lindsey (Browneyez) were convicted on counts related to stalking and stalking conspiracy, though they were also acquitted of the murder-for-hire allegations. Furthermore, Lil Durk will remain in custody as he faces an additional pending trial regarding separate RICO charges.
Trial Deliberations and Legal Context
The jury’s decision followed nearly eight hours of deliberation. During this period, the panel requested digital access to evidence and sought clarification on legal definitions, specifically regarding “intent” and the instructions for conspiracy to commit stalking. The charges presented to the jury included conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking resulting in death, and the use of interstate commerce facilities in a murder-for-hire scheme.
The prosecution’s case was built on the premise that the 2022 incident was an act of retaliation for the November 2020 killing of King Von. Prosecutors alleged that Durk had hired multiple associates to carry out the attack, which ultimately resulted in the death of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, a cousin of Quando Rondo.
Defense and Courtroom Atmosphere
Throughout the trial, the defense maintained a firm stance, with attorney Marissa Goldberg shifting the focus toward the actions of co-defendant and personal assistant, who had previously pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government. The courtroom was frequently filled with supporters, including family members and peers from the music industry, such as G Herbo, Dreezy, Doodie Lo, and Machine Gun Kelly, who attended to show solidarity with the artist.
As the verdict was read, emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom, with the rapper and his family visibly moved by the outcome. Despite this acquittal, the legal hurdles for the artist persist as the focus shifts toward his upcoming RICO case.
