FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lil Durk, a Grammy Award-winning rapper known for his impactful lyrics, has been arrested in Florida on federal charges. He is accused of orchestrating an attempted revenge killing of fellow artist Quando Rondo, stemming from a shooting incident at a gas station in Los Angeles in 2022, which resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson.
According to an FBI affidavit released on Friday, the 32-year-old rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks, faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Robinson, 24, was fatally shot on August 19, 2022. The affidavit outlines that the violent actions were allegedly directed by Durk to maintain his authority within his Chicago-based rap collective, “Only the Family” (OTF).
This incident is linked to the fatal shooting of OTF member King Von in November 2020 at an Atlanta nightclub, which transpired after an altercation with Rondo. Von was killed when one of Rondo’s friends opened fire during the altercation. Known for hits like “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O,” Von was a prominent figure in the rap scene.
Recent reports indicate that five other individuals associated with OTF have also been arrested, and more arrests could follow, as suggested by court documents. Durk was apprehended Thursday night in South Florida while allegedly trying to escape the country. The FBI disclosed that Durk had made plans for two international flights — one to Dubai and another to Switzerland — but was detained in Miami prior to boarding a private flight to Italy.
The affidavit details how the murder plot unfolded. On August 18, 2022, Durk’s associates discovered that Rondo was staying at a Los Angeles hotel. On that day, several OTF members, including Deandre Wilson, Keith Jones, and David Lindsey, traveled from Chicago to San Diego and then continued to Los Angeles using money provided by Durk. It was recorded that Durk sent a message to an associate saying, “Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit me,” to cover their tracks.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, OTF members linked with Kayon Grant, a key associate who had arrived on a private jet. Grant arranged accommodations and supplied ski masks and luxury vehicles to the group. As part of their plan, Grant allegedly equipped some members with firearms, including a converted fully automatic weapon.
The following day, the group tracked Rondo and Robinson to various locations, including a marijuana dispensary and a gas station near the Beverly Center shopping area. They attempted to ambush Rondo, but ended up fatally shooting Robinson instead. Following the attack, the suspects went to an In-N-Out burger restaurant to discuss payment, after which they traveled back to Chicago.
After the arrests, it was noted that Durk was trying to make a swift exit from the U.S. He and the other defendants are currently in custody awaiting transfer to Los Angeles, as their legal troubles continue to unfold. Durk, who just won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his collaboration with J. Cole on “All My Life,” has been a significant artist in the hip-hop industry, receiving multiple nominations and collaborations with major artists like Drake.
FBI Agent Sarah Corcoran emphasized that the members of OTF participated in violent acts, including murder and assaults, under his direction. As the legal process develops, representatives for Durk have not yet provided comments on the charges.
