With his trial looming, the suspect linked to Tupac Shakur's murder, known as Keefe D or Duane Davis, remains tight-lipped about his multiple confessions to orchestrating the crime.
Despite accusations of masterminding the assassination of the rap artist in 1996, Davis has made it clear that he will not testify during the proceedings.
Accused Gangster Silent on Confessions
Duane has now chosen to remain silent following years of detailing his involvement in the murder through various media, including police interviews and documentaries.
Expressing feelings of being "fitted up" in connection to the crime, he recently informed his family connections that he would no longer cooperate with law enforcement.
Upon the counsel of his attorney, Carl Arnold, the former Compton drug seller has opted to exercise his Fifth Amendment privilege. This constitutional protection shields individuals from self-incrimination and being compelled to testify against themselves in court.
After his confessions to the LAPD in 2008 and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police in 2009, the 60-year-old Tupac murder suspect recounted the details of the murder, mistakenly assuming immunity due to a prior agreement.
He remains optimistic about his defense's strength, as his legal representatives emphasized despite the potential of facing a lifetime in prison if found guilty.
READ ALSO: Tupac Murder Case Update: Keefe D's Second Confession Tape Emerges, Lawyer Caught Off Guard
Opting Out of Testimony
In a recent development, the lawyer representing Davis has revealed intentions to issue a subpoena to Suge Knight, the rap mogul and close associate of Tupac, who was driving alongside him at the time of his death.
The lawyer told The Sun, "Keefe will not be giving evidence."
In Arnold's perspective, the responsibility still lies with the prosecutors to demonstrate Davis' involvement in Tupac's death with unquestionable evidence.
Arnold explained, "He feels that it's a winnable case. He's always felt that way. He's never asked me (to plea bargain). We are going to trial."
The lawyer reportedly aims to persuade Knight, the former head of Tupac's record label and a dear friend of the late rap legend, to be included in his list of witnesses.
Growing up in the streets of Compton, California, Davis and Knight shared a close bond as childhood friends.
According to a close family friend of Davis who spoke to the outlet, they supported the choice of not having Davis testify, mentioning that the criminal only began admitting to the crime upon witnessing LAPD detective Greg Kading profit from the case by writing a book.
The source explained, "There is zero benefit from letting Keefe take the stand or face any detailed examination by professional lawyers."
"Keefe is a loose cannon when running his mouth, which has gotten him in trouble. Given that he confessed to his role in two police interviews and has not faced legal action, you would have thought he'd have shut his a-- up."
They added, "But no, he couldn't stop; he wanted to get some fame."
The source said that when facing a skilled trial lawyer on the stand, the person's every word can become a double-edged sword, potentially leading to unintended consequences and inadvertently strengthening the opposing case.
Reflecting on his interactions with the LAPD and Metro, Davis reportedly believed that a guarantee of immunity from prosecution protected the information he provided. However, his perception shifted when he felt deceived and misled by those in authority.
Perceiving a solid possibility for success, Davis trusts his attorney to effectively present his case before a jury, instilling reasonable doubt.
His legal representative will contend that his interactions with law enforcement officers are shielded and should not be considered incriminating evidence in court proceedings.
"And then his next defense strategy will be that he was greedy regarding the Tupac case. In the last decade, he was asked by TV shows and media outlets to talk about the Tupac killing, and he saw it as a money-making scheme."
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