Grammy-Winning Rapper Lil Durk Arrested on Federal Charges in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot Targeting Quando Rondo
Durk’s Arrest and Federal Charges
Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was arrested in South Florida on federal charges related to an alleged murder-for-hire plot against fellow rapper Quando Rondo. Federal authorities claim that Durk financed a 2022 ambush targeting Rondo at a Los Angeles gas station, resulting in the tragic death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson. Durk, 32, now faces conspiracy charges related to murder-for-hire along with five members of his rap group, “Only the Family” (OTF). According to officials, Durk was attempting to flee the U.S. when arrested.
Revenge for King Von’s Death
Court documents connect the alleged plot to the 2020 death of King Von, a prominent OTF member who was killed in a confrontation with Rondo at an Atlanta nightclub. Authorities suggest that Von’s death fueled tensions, prompting Durk to allegedly place a “bounty” on Rondo and urge OTF members to take retaliatory action. The FBI affidavit reveals that Durk’s associates acted soon after discovering Rondo’s whereabouts in Los Angeles. Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, reportedly became the primary target of the plan.
Planning the Ambush
The FBI’s case files describe extensive planning leading up to the August 2022 shooting. Durk’s associates, allegedly funded by him, traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles on private flights arranged by Kayon Grant, a top OTF associate. Court records show that the group brought ski masks, firearms, and rented luxury vehicles to execute the plan. Surveillance footage confirmed Durk’s presence in California around the time of the incident. According to the FBI, the group tracked Rondo and Robinson throughout Los Angeles before confronting them at a gas station near the Beverly Center, where Robinson was fatally shot.
Aftermath and Federal Indictments
After the attack, the group allegedly discussed payments before returning to Chicago. Arrests were made in both Chicago and South Florida, with Durk detained before boarding a private flight from Miami. Durk and his associates, including Grant, Jones, Lindsey, Wilson, and Houston, face federal charges and are awaiting transfer to Los Angeles for trial.
Community Fallout and Severed Ties
In Chicago, the charges have had a ripple effect, especially where Durk’s Neighborhood Heroes Foundation had been recently celebrated. In Bellwood, a Chicago suburb, Durk had received praise for his community contributions to youth mentorship. However, nearby Broadview has since withdrawn its support, with Mayor Katrina Thompson rescinding Durk’s honorary key to the village. “Our public figures must embody uncompromising standards,” Thompson stated in a social media post.
Durk, who recently won a Grammy for his song “All My Life” featuring J. Cole, remains in custody. His legal team has yet to comment on the charges. The arrest presents another major setback for the rapper’s career, overshadowing recent positive contributions to his community.