Prosecutors allege threats were made as rapper seeks case dismissal
Lil Durk is facing serious new allegations as prosecutors claim the rapper has threatened witnesses ahead of his upcoming murder-for-hire trial. The Chicago artist stands accused of orchestrating the 2022 killing of Quando Rondo’s cousin and had recently filed a motion to dismiss the case.
According to a legal response from U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli, Durk’s actions during his incarceration have included threatening key witnesses. “He is not on trial for his lyrics or his music,” Essayli stated, “he is on trial because he directed, orchestrated, and financed the brazen murder plot at issue in this case.”
Durk’s legal team has argued that the prosecution relied heavily on song lyrics—specifically from his track “Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy”—as part of their case. They emphasized that the lyrics were recorded months prior to the attack and should not be considered evidence.
In a win for the defense, a judge has ruled that Durk’s lyrics cannot be used against him during the trial. His family has also criticized the government’s attempt to weaponize his music in court.
Despite the ruling, the new claims of witness intimidation may significantly impact the outcome of the high-profile case scheduled for later this year.
