Sean “Diddy” Combs could face renewed scrutiny over the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur if Duane “Keffe D” Davis is convicted in the ongoing case.
Davis is a 63-year-old former Southern California street gang leader called South Side Compton Crips, a notorious street gang based in California and a shot-caller who is accused of helping orchestrate Shakur’s killing.
He is standing trial in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred during a long-running feud between rival gangs.
Prosecutors allege Davis was inside the white Cadillac from which the shots were fired and later handed the murder weapon to the gunman.
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During the proceedings, prosecutors reportedly introduced a secret 2008 police recording in which Davis allegedly claimed that Combs offered $1 million for Shakur’s killing.
Davis has since disputed his earlier statements, arguing that he exaggerated his involvement in the murder to gain fame and attention.
According to a source close to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, a conviction could provide grounds for authorities to further investigate allegations involving Combs and potentially consider criminal charges.
Prosecutors have reportedly avoided placing the allegations against Combs at the centre of Davis’s trial to prevent confusing the jury.
Combs has previously rejected the claims, describing them as “pure fiction and completely ridiculous.”
Authorities have not identified him as a suspect in Shakur’s murder, and he has consistently denied involvement. Legal experts say any new evidence emerging from Davis’s trial could determine whether prosecutors revisit the allegations.