Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty against Chicago rapper Lil Durk in his high-profile murder-for-hire case.
The charges stem from the 2022 killing of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, an affiliate of Quando Rondo. While capital punishment is off the table, Durk—born Durk Banks—remains in federal custody in Los Angeles, facing a possible life sentence if convicted.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California confirmed the decision in court documents filed June 2, 2025. The directive, approved by the U.S. Attorney General, lessens the severity of punishment but not the seriousness of the allegations. Prosecutors claim Durk ordered Lul Pab’s murder in revenge for the 2020 killing of King Von, his close friend and fellow Only the Family (OTF) member.
Durk’s supporters view the move as a small legal victory. A detention hearing on June 3 will determine if he remains jailed ahead of trial. Authorities have repeatedly denied bail, citing his October 2024 arrest near Miami International Airport as proof of a planned flight to Italy.
The trial, now scheduled for October 14, 2025, has been delayed due to its complexity. Prosecutors are reviewing 230 gigabytes of evidence, including surveillance footage and over 20,000 pages of documents. Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. has called the case “unusually complex,” making a quick resolution unlikely.
Durk’s legal troubles extend into civil court. In February, Lul Pab’s mother, Andrea Robinson, filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking financial damages. Prosecutors also argue that OTF operates like a criminal organization, drawing comparisons to other racketeering cases involving rappers.
Meanwhile, Durk’s father, Dontay Banks, has spoken out against the timing of the charges. He believes they overshadow his son’s community efforts, including work through the Neighborhood Heroes foundation.
As one of drill music’s most visible figures, Lil Durk’s case is under intense scrutiny. With the death penalty no longer in play, the stakes remain high. The outcome could reshape both his freedom and his legacy in hip-hop.
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