Rapper Lil Durk is seeking to have his murder-for-hire case dismissed, claiming that prosecutors have failed to provide essential information necessary for his defense. The Chicago artist, born Durk Banks, is accused of orchestrating a plot to kill an individual identified as T.B. in retaliation for the 2020 murder of his close associate, King Von.
Prosecutors allege that Durk used encrypted messages and promises of cash or record deals through his Only The Family (OTF) label to motivate others to carry out the hit. However, Durk’s legal team argues that the government’s case lacks critical details and fails to clarify how he was allegedly involved in the crime.
In a motion filed by attorneys Drew Findling, Marissa Goldberg, Jonathan Brayman, and Christy O’Connor, the defense demands either the dismissal of the charges or a more comprehensive explanation of the accusations. They assert that the indictment is too vague, stating, “While the Indictment alleges that the co-conspirators carried out various acts ‘at the direction of’ Mr. Banks… it fails to give any specifics. When, where, how, and to whom did Mr. Banks give these alleged directions? To ensure the basic fairness of this trial, the defense is entitled to know.”
The indictment claims that Durk offered “lucrative music opportunities” and placed a bounty on T.B., but the defense argues that prosecutors have not identified who received those offers or provided clarity on the supposed coded language used.
Federal investigators allege that Durk directed members of his crew to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles in August 2022 to locate and kill T.B., leading to a shooting that left Saviay’a Robinson, a cousin of rapper Quando Rondo, dead. Prosecutors assert that Durk arranged transportation, weapons, and disguises for the ambush. However, Durk’s attorneys contend there is no evidence of his physical participation in the attack or direct communication with the alleged shooters.
“What the Indictment fails to tell us are the very things the defense is entitled to know: the ‘operative facts’ underlying the government’s theories of Mr. Banks’ guilt,” Findling remarked, emphasizing the lack of allegations regarding Durk’s physical involvement in the stalking and shooting.
Durk was arrested on October 17, 2024, near Miami International Airport and is currently in federal custody. A hearing on the defense’s motion is set for November 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald in Los Angeles.
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