witnesses

Lil Durk Accused Of Conspiring To Take Out Witnesses In His Murder Case

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Lil Durk continues to face bad news in his federal case for alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy, which now has two cases to deal with. The first concerns the shooting of Lul Pab in what was allegedly a targeted attack on Quando Rondo in Los Angeles in retaliation for King Von’s murder. The second – and most recently revealed one – concerns the 2022 murder of Stephon Mack, which police believe was in retaliation for the murder of Durk’s brother Dontay “DThang” Banks. However, this last case is not something that the Chicago rapper received an official charge for yet, and the case remains open.

Now, alleged legal filings reportedly obtained by AllHipHop provide more details as to the prosecution’s claims against Lil Durk. Authorities accused him of offering payments to eliminate witnesses and individuals tied to this open 2022 case, including a witness’ family member. In this case, 24-year-old Gangster Disciples member Stephon Mack was fatally shot in Chicago in January of 2022. Smurk’s legal team hasn’t responded to these new allegations at press time, but they denied any and all wrongdoing at the onset of this case.

Read More: Lil Durk Co-Defendant Seeks Protective Order Over Safety Concerns

Lil Durk At A Chicago White Sox Game

Lil Durk Murder Allegations Witness Case Arrest Trial Hire Hip Hop News
May 2, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago rapper Lil Durk attends a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

“Lil Durk’s modus operandi is clear,” prosecutors claimed in court documents. “He will use his power, his money, and his influence […] to endanger anyone who he perceives as a threat, including witnesses in this case.” In addition, they also alleged that these bounties came into effect via intermediaries despite Durk’s incarceration and public scrutiny. Apparently, these revelations in these newly obtained court filings contributed to a federal judge’s denial of bond for The Voice, but it’s unclear whether the defendant will continue in his efforts to secure bail.

Meanwhile, though, some other updates in Lil Durk’s life are much more heartening, which probably balances out some of his stronger challenges. Primarily, we’re talking about how he reportedly secretly married his longtime partner India Royale, who continues to show him a lot of support amid this legal drama. Hopefully they can one day enjoy their partnership outside of the repercussions of all these situations. After all, it seems like there are even more challenges on the way in the courtroom.

Read More: 50 Cent Has Faith In Lil Durk’s New Lawyer Amid Alleged Murder-For-Hire Case

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The post Lil Durk Accused Of Conspiring To Take Out Witnesses In His Murder Case appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Durk Co-Defendant Seeks Protective Order Over Safety Concerns

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One of Lil Durk’s co-defendants in his ongoing federal murder-for-hire case, Kavon London Grant, has filed for a protective order after expressing concern about the safety of witnesses, victims, and defendants. He says that the public having unregulated access to sensitive information regarding to case could be a problem. Grant’s attorney, Peter C. Swarth, explained in a filing caught by AllHipHop

“This case involves significant safety concerns regarding disclosure of names and personal identifying information of victims, witnesses, and defendants,” Swarth said on Tuesday. He added that the sensitive information encompasses crime scene photographs, autopsy reports, and statements from protected witnesses. He’s worried about acts of retaliation or intimidation and in turn, wants strict limits on who accesses the documents.

Read More: Lil Durk Pleads Not Guilty In Federal Murder-For-Hire Case

Lil Durk Performs During Dreamville Music Festival

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 7: Rapper Lil Durk performs during the 2024 Dreamville Music Festival at Dorothea Dix Park on April 7, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

Authorities arrested Lil Durk and his Only The Family co-defendants back in October for allegedly orchestrating an attempted murder of rival rapper Quando Rondo in 2022. They describe OTF as a “hybrid organization” that also functions as a criminal gang in addition to a music collective. “Banks [Lil Durk] put a monetary bounty out for an individual with whom Banks was feuding named T.B.,” the complaint reads, as caught by Billboard. “Banks ordered T.B.’s murder and that the hitmen used Banks and OTF-related finances to carry out the murder.” Prosecutors further alleged that the attempted killing was in retaliation for the 2020 killing of King Von.

Durk currently remains in federal custody and faces life in prison if convicted on all charges. United States marshals arrested him in South Florida as he allegedly attempted to escape the country. They claim he had several flights lined up at the nearby airport. His trial is set to begin in January 2025. Be on the lookout for further updates on the case on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Lil Reese Uses Lil Durk Song While Sharing New Photo From Behind Bars

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Diddy’s Prosecutors Accuse Him Of Coercing Witnesses And Manipulating Public Narrative

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Diddy still faces an intense legal battle in his federal case for alleged sex trafficking, and prosecutors aren’t letting up regarding their accusations against him. Moreover, according to a Manhattan federal court filing reportedly obtained by Baller Alert, they accused him of coercing witnesses and trying to manipulate public opinion from behind bars. Specifically, federal authorities allege that Sean Combs used recorded jail calls to get family members to reach out to alleged victims and potential witnesses in order to sway jurors in his favor. Per the prosecution’s assessment, this signifies a pattern of tampering that undermines a fair trial.

“The defendant has shown repeatedly — even while in custody — that he will flagrantly and repeatedly flout rules in order to improperly impact the outcome of his case,” prosecutors wrote concerning their accusations against Diddy. They claim his alleged actions indicate he’s willing to blackmail witnesses or subject them to coercion. The Bad Boy mogul pleaded not guilty to claims to coercion, abuse, and silencing alleged victims, but prosecutors still aren’t budging when it comes to his proposed $50 million bail package.

Read More: Shyne Claims Diddy Never Offered Him Money To Be The Alleged Scapegoat For Club Shooting

Diddy Faces New Accusations Of Case Tampering

In addition to all this, prosecutors accused Diddy of allegedly organizing a social media campaign around his birthday with his family members to sway jurors. He allegedly monitored engagement metrics and sought to maximize its success by strategizing with family members. “[Combs] explicitly discussed with his family how to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case,” federal authorities alleged. Amid these accusations, his third bail attempt stems from the defense’s claims that new evidence justifies a release before his May 5 trial. In opposing response, prosecutors argued that said evidence was already available for previous bond attempts.

“The defendant’s efforts to obstruct the integrity of this proceeding also include relentless efforts to contact potential witnesses, including victims of his abuse who could provide powerful testimony against him,” federal authorities wrote of Diddy. Meanwhile, ahead of a new bail hearing, two judges ruled that he’s a flight risk and a danger to the wider community. On both sides, this case argues that the opposing force is trying to illegally tilt the public eye in their favor.

Read More: Quincy Brown Shades Biological Father Al B. Sure Amidst Diddy Drama

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YNW Melly Plans To Bar Witnesses Who Allege He Owed YNW SakChaser Money

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YNW Melly reportedly plans to bar witnesses that will claim he owed money to YNW SakChaser. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the state wants to prove that Melly made an agreement with SakChaser “to share or split all of the money that Mr. Melly made through his musical pursuits.”

Melly’s attorney, Daniel Aaronson, says the claims are baseless and doesn’t wanted them presented during the upcoming trial. He argues that without a “signed contract or agreement” or “a verbal acknowledgment by YNW Melly that he owed that money to YNW SakChaser, any reference to it would be ‘pure hearsay and conjecture.’”

Read More: YNW Melly Insists That The State Attorney’s Office Concealed Evidence To Protect Lead Detective

YNW Melly’s Case Headed For Retrial

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – FEBRUARY 13: In this handout photo provided by the Broward’s Sheriff’s Office, rapper YNW. Melly, real name Jamell Demons, is seen in a police booking photo after being charged with two counts of murder in the first degree February 13, 2019 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Demons allegedly conspired with Cortlen Henry to fatally shot two other Florida based rappers, Christopher. Thomas Jr and Anthony Williams, October 26. (Photo by Broward’s Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

“The nature of the testimony referenced above would be brought in so that the State could argue there was motive, i.e. [YNW Melly] did not want to pay [YNW Sakchaser] the money. Before the State contends during opening statement that it will show this evidence, the Court needs to rule on the admissibility of this argument,” Aaronson explained.

The latest update comes after Melly’s defense team suggested that the judge in the case drop the rapper’s double murder case due to prosecutorial misconduct. They cited the prosecution not divulging details about an investigation into Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti. “Because this withholding of evidence was not only institutional, but deliberate prosecutor misconduct, double jeopardy principles apply,” the filing says. Be on the lookout for further updates on Melly’s trial on HotNewHipHop. The new trial will begin, next month, on October 9.

Read More: YNW Melly’s Spotify Monthly Listeners Keep Increasing Amid Trial

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Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Speaks Out Once Again

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The case of Tory Lanez is as hotly debated as ever, even after a guilty verdict. Moreover, now the rapper and his legal team seek a new trial after saying that the court made mistakes in his original case. In fact, his lawyer Jose Baez acted as a strong supporter of Lanez both in court and on social media. Recently, he took to his Instagram Story to call out untrue reports in the case and brought up studies on its effects. “Mistaken eyewitness identifications contributed to approximately 69% of the more than 375 wrongful convictions in the United States overturned by post-conviction DNA evidence,” Baez posted. “@torylanez #freetory #freetorylanez #freetory!!!!.”

Furthermore, this comes after Tory Lanez shared an open letter asking for a second chance. For those unaware, a large piece of evidence against him was a phone call where he admitted to and apologized for the incident. “Until my court date I’ll be posting the OUTRAGEOUS & DISGUSTING INJUSTICES used against me by the PROSECUTION to get the conviction they so DESPERATELY wanted, DESPITE the evidence they knew existed,” he captioned the letter’s post.

Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Defends Him On IG

“Dear George Gascon,” Tory Lanez wrote in his letter. “I write this message with the utmost humility, love, and respect for the remarkable stance you’ve taken in regards to fighting for the justice of Black and Brown minorities. Today I take a stance as an innocent Black Man, wrongfully convicted of a crime I DID not commit. I’ve watched 2 district attorneys from your office by the names of Kathy Ta and Alex Bott unlawful misuse their authority to hide and suppress any and all exculpatory evidence that exonerates me, or furthers my innocence. I was completely robbed and deprived of a fair trial. On May 8th, my lawyers will be arguing a motion for a new trial. Not only do I owe it to myself to fight for my freedom, but I owe it to my 6 year old child, my family, fans.

“Most importantly the hundreds of thousands of Black and Hispanic minorities that cannot adequately fight for themselves. For 3 years, the prosecution has manipulated a false narrative, that has left me with no choice but to expose, and make aware, the practices the behind door deals, and the unjust system used to illegally convict me and countless other minorities. we elated you because of your outstanding eminence in making fair and correct judgements in the justice of people of color. Mr. Gascon, I come to you today as a wrongfully convicted man, not asking for sympathy, nor compassion, but for you to simply do what is fair and right by the laws of California, and most importantly in the eyes of God. – T O R Y,” he concluded. For more on the Tory Lanez case and Megan Thee Stallion’s reactions, hop back onto HNHH.

Young Thug To Put Lyor Cohen & Kevin Liles On Witness Stand

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Young Thug recently gave the court a state a list of people he wants to take the witness stand in his RICO case, including Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Thug’s list includes 36 names that he believes will prove enlightening in his trial. Moreover, jury selection for said trial began in early January after months behind bars. However, Judge Ural Glanville remarked that this process might take months to complete, as the process is exhaustive. Regardless, the YSL codefendants face multiple charges including racketeering, conspiracy to violate RICO, and weapon and drug possession charges.

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 24: Kevin Liles (L) and Lyor Cohen attend The Big Smoke Pre-Grammy Celebration at The Grand Havana Room on January 24, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Furthermore, Lyor Cohen is currently YouTube’s Global Head of Music and is a former Def Jam executive. Also, he co-founded 300 Entertainment with Kevin Liles, former Executive Vice President at Warner Music Group. To explain the Thug connection, 300 Entertainment distributed Young Stoner Life Records’ releases, and later sold to Warner Music Group. As such, these executives have a pretty close relationship with the Atlanta superstar. While his trial is still far, far away, the 31-year-old’s trial shocked fans with its developments multiple times. For example, officials recently accused some of his YSL codefendants in a prison stabbing.

Still, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Judge Glanville said jury selection will take months despite escalating developments. Moreover, 613 people represented the original juror pool. Following excuses and requests to be absent, authorities scheduled another prospective batch of 300 jurors. Those participants are due February 24, whereas another group of 300 will arrive on March 17. In addition, potential jurors must watch a full video of a reading of the indictment against Thugger and his codefendants. Also, they received the chance to request exemption or excuse from the trial for hardship. Of course, that’s what led the jury to the additional jurors they’re reviewing now.

“Just for your basic juror math, if we examine five a day, that is four months,” Glanville said. “If you examine a full panel a day, that’s about two and a half months.” Moreover, he excused more than half of the original 613 from the trial. Glanville’s goal is to qualify 90 of them, and eventually settle on 12 jurors and six alternates. While jury selection will continue to determine the speed of this case, Thug’s witnesses could determine its outcome. As always, come back to HNHH for the latest on the YSL RICO case and Young Thug.

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Hurricane Chris Gets Break In Shooting Trial Thanks To Forensics Expert

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Hurricane Chris just caught an early break for his upcoming shooting trial thanks to some help from a forensics expert. Moreover, his legal team recently spoke to The Shade Room to maintain that the rapper’s actions were in self-defense. According to the 33-year-old’s lawyers, they will prove his innocence at his upcoming argument and hearing on February 1st.

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 20: Rapper Hurricane Chris attends the MP3waxx.com Deejays & Producers Honors Luncheon at Vibes Lounge on September 20, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ben Rose/Getty Images for MP3Waxx.com)

For those unaware, authorities arrested Hurricane Chris after he shot and killed a man who tried to steal his car. In fact, the car wasn’t his, which added a charge of stolen possession of a 2016 Mercedes Sedan to Chris’s list. Moreover, the incident occurred outside of a convenience store in his home city of Shreveport, Louisiana. While Chris argued self-defense, officers dismissed such claims after reviewing gas station security footage.

Moreover, the “A Bay Bay” MC’s main trial will being on February 13th. After a court hearing last Wednesday (January 18), his lawyer Alex Washington shared updates with The Shade Room. According to said report, a judge allowed a forensic analysis expert to testify on the artist’s behalf and support claims of self-defense.

“Hurricane Chris’ actions were in self-defense and justified,” the lawyer stated. “Today, the court ruled to allow our Forensic analysis expert to testify at trial.

“He will allow the second expert to testify once we provide a written report to the State,” Washington continued. “Both experts will assist in proving that Hurricane Chris actions were reasonable and justified. The February 1 date will clear up any small issues.”

Meanwhile, the Shreveport native posted a $500,000 bond just two days after his incarceration. Since posting a video shortly after, he stood by his innocence.

“Hello world, hello world, hello world,” he said in the clip. “I’m sure you got the news by now. I was involved in a very unfortunate incident on Friday morning, a very unfortunate incident. I wanna thank everybody who’s been praying for the family of the deceased and everybody who’s been praying for my family.

“After a good, thorough investigation, my name will be cleared. Let God work, watch God work. God bless. Thank you.”

Still, what do you think of Hurricane Chris and his trial being assisted by a forensics expert? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on Hurricane Chris’s case.

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Young Thug Names Hip-Hop Experts On Witness List In YSL RICO Case

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As Young Thug’s court date nears, the Atlanta rapper revealed his witness list in his RICO case. Per AllHipHop, Thug’s legal team submitted their list of witnesses on Sunday. The list included hip-hop academics and experts to take the stand to help his case.

His team will call hip-hop historian Dr. Erik Nelson to testify. He co-authored, Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics and Guilt in America, which explores the intersection of hip-hop and mass incarceration. Thug’s defense team will also call on two professors, Dr. Adam Dunbar, who teaches at the University of Nevada – Reno and Dr. Charis Kubrin from the University of California – Irvine. The rapper’s team listed both Dr. Kubrin and Dr. Dunbar as experts in hip-hop lyrics.

Thug’s team will also call on a cell phone expert, a counselor for drug treatment, and a video analysis expert.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Rapper Young Thug performs at halftime during the Boston Celtics v Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Thug’s team previously filed a motion to have the rapper’s lyrics, music, and social media posts dismissed in the case. Prosecutors previously cited a slew of Thug lyrics from songs like “Anybody,” “Ski” and “Take It To Trial.”

“The admission and use of these lyrics/poetry/artistry against [Young Thug] in his upcoming trial would be a Constitutional violation and an abuse of discretion, too prejudicial and unconstitutional,” the motion reads. “Moreover, using these lyrics/poetry/artistry/speech against [Young Thug] is racist and discriminatory because the jury will be so poisoned and prejudiced by these lyrics/poetry/artistry/speech.”

Prosecutors handed out deals to several people involved in the YSL RICO case. Gunna copped an Alford plea, followed by the alleged co-founder of YSL, Walter Murphy. Since then, Slimelife Shawty and Young Thug’s brother, Unfoonk, also copped deals in the case. As part of his conditions, the court prohibited Unfoonk from contacting his brother until the trial ends.

We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates on Young Thug’s case as it unfolds.