July 11, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Grammy-Winning Rapper Lil Durk Appears In Court to Face Federal Murder-for-Hire Charges

Rapper Faces Trial in Alleged Plot Targeting Rival’s Family in Shooting Near the Beverly Center 

Chicago rapper Durk Banks, known as “Lil Durk,” who is a Grammy Winner, pleaded not guilty to charges from federal prosecutors on Thursday, November 14. Banks was extradited to Los Angeles after his arrest in Miami, Florida. Banks was jailed without bond by U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue and scheduled a detention hearing for December 12. A federal judge will be appointed to the case and will hold a status conference on November 25 and the trial is expected to begin on January 7, 2025. 

Banks, 32, also known as “Blood” and “Mustafa Abdul Malak,” has been charged with multiple felonies, including conspiracy, use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and using and carrying firearms, including a machine gun, in a crime of violence. The new charges add to an earlier criminal complaint against him. He has been named as the lead defendant. 

The indictment alleges that Banks, who formed an organization called Only the Family (OTF) in 2010 to promote hip-hop artists, engaged in violence through OTF members, including murder and assault, to maintain their status in the group. Banks and his late friend, rapper Dayvon Bennett (known as “King Von”), were allegedly involved in a feud with another rapper, identified in court documents as “T.B.,” after T.B.’s associate killed Bennett in 2020. Prosecutors say Banks later placed a bounty on T.B.’s life.

According to court documents, OTF members tracked T.B. in Los Angeles on Aug. 19, 2022, ultimately firing at least 18 shots at his vehicle at a gas station near the Beverly Center. T.B.’s relative, identified as “S.R.,” was killed in the attack. Banks allegedly financed the operation, with evidence showing OTF associates coordinating travel arrangements for the hitmen and using Banks’ funds to pay for travel and lodging.

Prosecutors say that Banks and Grant flew to California on a private jet, where Grant allegedly purchased ski masks for the hitmen and used Banks’ credit card to pay for their hotel room.

“Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open at a gas station, endangering many others in the area.”

FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis commended the collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department, noting, “The apprehension of Mr. Banks as he attempted to leave the United States is a testament to our commitment to bringing perpetrators of violent crime to justice.”

The five other defendants remain in federal custody in Illinois and face similar charges. If convicted, each defendant could face up to life in federal prison. 

The FBI and Los Angeles Police Department led the investigation, with the case being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ian V. Yanniello, Daniel H. Weiner, and Gregory W. Staples.

in News
Related Posts

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

The Reservoir Play Opens at Geffen Playhouse

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The play follows Josh, whose life is unraveling, as he receives unconventional support from his grandparents. Their unsolicited advice, judgments,...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Westwood Village Cooking Class to Showcase Spanish Paella

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The class will guide participants through crafting both seafood and vegetarian versions of the iconic Spanish dish Food enthusiasts will...

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

Brentwood Feels Impact as Feds Slash Office Leases Across Los Angeles

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

New Tracker Reveals Over 70,000 Square Feet Cut in 2025 Alone Los Angeles County’s office market is experiencing a fresh...

Lost Bunny on the Beat: Beverly Hills Police Seek Owner of Wayward Rabbit

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Fluffy Wanderer Found Near City Hall, BHPD Caring for Missing Pet The Beverly Hills police are caring for a domestic...

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

One Last Bite: La Novia Bids Farewell with Final Pop-Up at Cardinale du Vin

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Inventive Latin-Asian Pop-up Serves Seasonal Small Plates for One-Night-Only La Novia, the pop-up kitchen known for its inventive Latin-Asian flavors,...