While maintaining his opposition to the postponement, Lil Durk will see his federal murder-for-hire trial delayed until January 2026, following a joint motion filed by prosecutors and co-defendants’ attorneys that cited the “unusual and complex” nature of the case.
Despite Lil Durk’s objections, his federal murder-for-hire trial faces delay until 2026 due to the case’s complex nature.
The trial, originally scheduled for October 14, 2025, was pushed back despite Durk’s refusal to join the stipulation requesting continuance. Authorities have deemed the extension reasonable, noting that it does not violate speedy trial rights given the multiple defendants involved.
The Chicago rapper faces serious charges stemming from a 2022 incident near Beverly Center Mall in Los Angeles, where members of his OTF (Only the Family) collective allegedly attempted to kill rapper Quando Rondo.
The attack resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, leading to charges including murder, murder-for-hire, and conspiracy against Durk and his associates. Prosecutors have characterized OTF as a violent organization engaged in organized criminal activities including shootings and assaults.
Federal Judge Michael Fitzgerald has repeatedly denied Durk’s requests for bail, citing the severity of charges that carry a potential life sentence and concerns about flight risk.
Law enforcement alleges the rapper had booked multiple international flights prior to his arrest, though defense attorneys counter that such travel was routine for his performance schedule and religious observances, particularly trips to Dubai.
Defense lawyers have attempted to get the case dismissed, arguing prosecutor misconduct in presenting misleading evidence to the grand jury.
They specifically contest claims that Durk bragged about the attack in a song, maintaining the track was recorded months before the incident occurred and that unauthorized modifications appeared online afterward.
Though prosecutors have decided against pursuing the death penalty, the case remains highly consequential for Durk, who continues to assert his innocence and deny any connection to the murder-for-hire plot.
Durk’s ongoing legal issues could impact his music royalties, as performing rights organizations typically continue collecting payments for artists even during legal proceedings.
The extended timeline reflects the prosecution’s need to prepare for a multi-defendant trial involving intricate criminal conspiracy allegations spanning several years. The case involves approximately 230 GB of digital evidence, including thousands of pages of reports, audio recordings, and witness statements that prosecutors need time to process.
Despite his legal troubles, industry experts suggest Durk could still generate income through sync deals for his existing catalog, allowing his music to be licensed for use in various media productions while his case proceeds.
Banks, whose real name is Durk Banks, is one of five co-conspirators implicated in this high-profile case that has drawn significant attention in both the legal and music communities.
