Lil Durk Trial: Lyrics, Videos Admitted as Evidence

A federal judge has ruled that lyrics and the video for Lil Durk's song "Pissed Me Off" can be admitted as evidence in his murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles. U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald granted prosecutors' request on Thursday, a week before jury selection begins on August 20. Prosecutors contend the song and video demonstrate Durk's resolve to avenge the death of his friend, King Von. They allege Durk blamed rapper Quando Rondo for King Von's death and orchestrated a hit that mistakenly killed bystander Saviay'a "Lul Pab" Robinson four years ago.

Lil Durk's defense team objected, arguing the song's admission would create undue prejudice and confusion, particularly as it could be linked to other severed charges concerning his brother's death. The defense suggested the song primarily memorializes Durk's slain brother, Dontay "DThang" Banks Jr., not solely acts of retaliation. The judge indicated he would consider limiting instructions to the jury and allow the defense to present their interpretation during cross-examination.

Banks, whose legal name is Durk Banks, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. He denies involvement in the August 19, 2022, shooting that killed Robinson, who was with Tyquian Terrel Bowman. The judge had previously ruled to exclude lyrics from "Hanging With Wolves" that prosecutors sought to use as evidence of flight. The trial is anticipated to run for three weeks, with opening statements possibly on August 21.