PRICE OF FREEDOM
Tupac Shakur murder suspect Keefe D still in custody despite winning bail bid – but lawyers hopeful he can pay $750k fee
Keefe D is accused of trying to orchestrate hits on witnesses from jail.
THE self-confessed gangster and drug dealer charged with the murder of Tupac Shakur has been granted bail ahead of his trial for the rapper's death - if he can pay it.
A judge set ex-Compton Crip gang leader Duane "Keefe D" Davis' bail at $750,000 at a hearing at Las Vegas District Court on Tuesday.
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Keefe D, 60, had been in protective custody at Clark County Detention Center since being arrested in September.
Judge Carli Kierney listened to arguments from Keefe D’s legal team and Las Vegas Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGacomo before making the decision.
Kierney argued Keefe D maintains a reputation as a "brutal leader of a gang."
The judge admitted that key factors, specifically Keefe's comments about killing Tupac, were relevant.
"There are lots of people still scared of him," Judge Kierney said.
She set bail at $750,000, and if Keefe D posts it, he will be released on house arrest.
Keefe D's public defender, Robert Arroyo, stressed it is unclear whether his client will be able to make bail.
"We are hopeful," Arroyo told reporters after the hearing.
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KEEFE BACKTRACKS ON COMMENTS
Keefe D has since denied being the shot caller behind the assassination of Tupac in September 1996, despite making confessions in a memoir and several media interviews.
The former Crip leader has been behind bars since his arrest in September, but his public defender lawyers argued that he should be able to fight the case from his home in Henderson, Nevada, about 20 minutes southeast of Las Vegas.
Prosecutors were adamant Keefe D remain in custody over major concerns he could tamper with witnesses.
DiGacomo stated that Keefe D was the "architect" of Tupac's killing, pointing to him boasting in TV interviews and his 2019 tell-all book about his involvement in the rapper's murder.
Prosecutors added that they have ample corroboration from witnesses that Keefe D was a gang kingpin in 1996.
Judge Kierney ordered a status hearing for February 20.
'OG TO DUMBA**'
A Los Angeles affiliate close to Keefe D previously told The U.S. Sun that the gangster is struggling behind bars.
The source revealed that Keefe D is going through a range of emotions ahead of his impending trial.
"Keefe is going through a range of emotions right now, but one of the hardest parts of this criminal process is that his status has gone from OG street legend to a joke within criminal circles," the source said.
"He is seen as a dumba** for getting himself in such trouble and facing life in jail, and this moment facing the threat of retribution inside.
"As weird as it sounds, that hit to his image has hurt his ego. It's quite incredible with everything else going on, this is a big deal to him."
The source, who knows Keefe D’s family members, added: “Of course, his ego has taken this hit, but also when someone falls like that in this world, you go from being seen as untouchable and respected to becoming vulnerable.
“So, in real terms, day-to-day life is a greater problem. He fears for his safety because his status is done. He tells his family he has fears for what could happen in jail.”
The source added of the one-time gang leader: “He hates being locked up for most of the day alone in protective custody and is missing his family dearly.
“His perception of the legal process is very different to the reality.
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"He thought that straight after the trial date court appearance, the wheels would kick in motion for his bail application. But matters like that take time and are a proper process of legal steps.”
Judge Kierney has set his trial for June 3.