Home / Crime and Justice / Rapper Big Durk Acquitted of All Murder-for-Hire Charges
Rapper Big Durk Acquitted of All Murder-for-Hire Charges
13 Sep
Summary
- Rapper Dontay Banks, also known as Big Durk, was found not guilty on all five charges.
- The acquittal came after three days of deliberations in a federal murder-for-hire trial.
- Banks remains in custody awaiting trial for separate racketeering and firearms charges.
Dontay "Big Durk" Banks has been acquitted of all five federal charges, including murder-for-hire. The Chicago rapper's family celebrated their overwhelming joy following the verdict announced on Friday. Banks expressed deep sorrow for the victim's family, stating he understood their pain from personal loss.
The acquittal followed three days of jury deliberations. Prosecutors had accused Banks of orchestrating an attack in retaliation for a prior killing. Co-defendants in the case were convicted of lesser charges, including conspiracy to commit stalking.
Despite this victory, Banks will not be released immediately. He is currently awaiting a separate federal trial concerning racketeering and firearms charges, scheduled to commence on October 5.
During the reading of the verdict, Banks became visibly emotional, wiping away tears as his wife and mother offered comfort. The judge acknowledged the mixed emotions in the courtroom, noting the decision brought joy to some and grief to others.
