Former Death Row Records executive Marion “Suge” Knight is expected to testify in the long-awaited Las Vegas murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, a notable reversal after previously stating he would not take the witness stand in the prosecution over the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, known professionally as 2Pac.
Suge Knight, who was driving the BMW carrying Shakur on Sept. 7, 1996, is the only surviving occupant of the vehicle and is expected to serve as a key prosecution witness. In 2023, Knight told TMZ there was “1000% I wouldn’t go” when asked whether he would testify.
His anticipated appearance could provide firsthand testimony about the drive-by shooting near Flamingo Road and Koval Lane that left Shakur mortally wounded. The rapper died six days later at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada.
Suge Knight On Witness List In Duane “Keffe D” Davis’s Tupac Shakur (2Pac) Las Vegas Murder Trial
Knight is serving a 28-year prison sentence in California for a 2015 fatal hit-and-run. Under Nevada law, a judge may permit testimony by remote video if logistical or security concerns make an in-person appearance impractical.
Davis, 63, has remained in custody since his September 2023 arrest. Prosecutors allege the admitted former South Side Compton Crips leader orchestrated the shooting that killed Shakur, although they do not contend he fired the fatal shots. He has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.
The state has argued that Davis’ own statements revived a case that remained unsolved for decades. Prosecutors have pointed to his 2019 memoir and multiple media interviews as evidence supporting the charges.
Defense counsel disputes the allegations, arguing prosecutors lack physical evidence linking Davis to the homicide and rely heavily on witnesses who were not present during the shooting.
In a recent jailhouse interview with KLAS-TV, Davis rejected the possibility of a negotiated resolution, citing serious health issues. “I wouldn’t live long enough,” he said when explaining why he would not accept a plea agreement.
Shakur’s stepbrother, Maurice “Mopreme” Shakur, said the proceedings remain emotionally difficult for the family but expressed hope that “the trial is fair, and we find out the truth.”
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