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Chicago rapper Lil Durk, born Durk Banks, was arrested Thursday in Florida on federal murder-for-hire charges, bringing significant attention to the ongoing tensions within the hip-hop community. The 32-year-old Grammy-winning artist was detained in Broward County and awaits transfer to U.S. Marshals custody, according to official arrest records reviewed by USA TODAY.
Charges in Lil Durk:
Banks’ arrest follows an indictment linking him to a murder-for-hire plot involving the targeted attack on Georgia rapper Quando Rondo, allegedly in retaliation for the death of Chicago rapper King Von in November 2020. The indictment, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, accuses five individuals—Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston—of coordinating the alleged plan, all of whom are reportedly connected to Banks’ hip-hop group, “Only The Family.” Prosecutors argue that these individuals are part of Banks’ inner circle, further intensifying the investigation’s focus on the rapper and his affiliates.
King Von, whose real name was Dayvon Bennett, was a close associate and frequent collaborator of Banks. Known for his raw storytelling style and intense lyrics, Bennett often worked alongside Banks, including their collaboration on the popular track “Crazy Story.” Bennett was tragically killed on November 6, 2020, at the age of 26 during an altercation outside an Atlanta nightclub.
Atlanta Police reported that a confrontation escalated into gunfire, fatally injuring Bennett around 3:20 a.m. Banks later paid tribute to his friend with the release of his song “The Voice,” which resonated with fans as a heartfelt homage to his late collaborator.
The indictment’s mention of “Only The Family” has brought increased scrutiny to the Chicago-born hip-hop collective, which has previously faced allegations of gang-related activities. Banks, as a prominent figure in the group, has consistently drawn public interest for his personal life, legal issues, and frequent run-ins with law enforcement.
The murder-for-hire charges could present a significant legal hurdle for Banks, who has, until now, managed to build a successful music career despite a series of legal challenges.
Details on the charges and any potential involvement Banks may have had remain limited as the case develops. His legal team has not issued a statement, and it is unclear when further information on his extradition or court appearance will be made public.