LAS VEGAS — Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the sole individual charged in the murder of Tupac Shakur, did not make an appearance in court on Tuesday for a session regarding his defense team’s readiness for trial.
Additionally, he missed a separate hearing concerning allegations of an altercation with another inmate at the Clark County Detention Center that occurred in late December.

A representative for Davis’ legal counsel did not disclose the reasons behind his absence from both court proceedings. Inquiries directed at the detention facility for further context were not immediately returned.

Since his arrest in September 2023, Davis has been in custody. He entered a plea of not guilty to first-degree murder regarding the 1996 incident involving the death of the well-known rapper in Las Vegas.
During the court session, attorney Carl Arnold informed District Court Judge Carli Kierny that Davis would likely wish to attend the hearing focused on trial preparations. Arnold subsequently requested that the meeting be postponed to the following week, to which Kierny agreed, rescheduling it for February 18. The judge initially speculated that Davis’ lack of presence may have been due to his involvement in the other case.

Proceedings for the trial are expected to commence in March. Meanwhile, a grand jury indicted Davis on separate charges of battery and inciting a fight, resulting in the transfer of that case from Justice Court to state District Court. An arraignment is set for Thursday, according to local reports.

A correctional officer had testified before the grand jury that while escorting Davis back to his unit, there was a verbal exchange with another inmate, leading to a physical confrontation in a common area. Davis’ legal team asserts that he was attacked and acted in self-defense.

Regarding the Shakur case, Arnold contends that Davis should not have faced charges, citing immunity agreements that he claims were established years ago with federal and local prosecutors during his time in California.
Judge Kierny responded that Davis has not provided evidence supporting such agreements, thus leaving him susceptible to prosecution.

Prosecutors, on the other hand, contend they possess compelling evidence against Davis, including disclosures made by him in a memoir detailing the shooting incident. As a former gang leader, Davis is accused of orchestrating the circumstances surrounding Tupac’s murder near the Las Vegas Strip.