The family of late rapper Tupac Shakur has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles, nearly 30 years after his killing, in a renewed effort to uncover those responsible.
The case names Duane “Keefe D” Davis, a former gang leader currently awaiting trial over the shooting, as the primary defendant, along with other unidentified individuals believed to have been involved.
Davis remains the only person charged in connection with the 1996 killing and has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
In the new filing, the family claims Shakur’s death was the result of a wider and more complex conspiracy than previously understood, and says the legal action is intended to identify others who may have played roles in planning or carrying out the attack.
Tupac Shakur rose to prominence in the early 1990s, becoming one of the era’s most influential artists with millions of records sold and hit songs such as “Hit ’Em Up” and “California Love.” He also built a successful acting career before his life was cut short.
The rapper was shot multiple times in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas in September 1996 and died in hospital six days later at the age of 25.
Prosecutors have alleged that Davis played a central role in organising the shooting, reportedly following a confrontation involving Shakur at a casino shortly before the incident.
Authorities said Davis had admitted in past interviews to being in the vehicle from which the shots were fired, although they have not identified the individual who pulled the trigger.
Other individuals believed to have been in the vehicle at the time, including Davis’s nephew, have since died.
The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Shakur’s brother, Maurice Shakur, acting on behalf of the estate linked to their late father, Mutulu Shakur.
Court documents suggest that developments in recent years, including grand jury proceedings and media investigations, point to the possibility of additional people being involved in the killing.
The family says it hopes the case will help uncover new evidence and ultimately identify all those connected to the events surrounding the rapper’s death.
