Grammy-winning US rapper Lil Durk acquitted in murder-for-hire trial

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk was acquitted on Friday of all charges in a federal murder-for-hire case accusing him of orchestrating the revenge killing of a man shot dead in a daytime ambush in Los Angeles four years ago.

The Chicago rapper was arrested in 2024 and accused of involvement in a shooting that killed the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo.

Defence lawyer Drew Findling said the recording artist, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was "thankful" following the verdict.

Lil Durk has had seven albums in the US Billboard chart's top five since 2019 and has also collaborated with stars including Drake and J Cole on hit singles.

Supporters cheered outside a Los Angeles courthouse after the verdict, which came following three days of jury deliberations.

The 33-year-old faced five felony counts, including murder for hire resulting in death and conspiracy. If convicted, he could have faced a life sentence.

Although Banks was found not guilty of the charges in the case, he remains in custody and faces a separate trial on 5 October, where he will face racketeering murder and firearms charges.

"While we are disappointed with the jury's decision regarding Durk Banks, a.k.a. 'Lil Durk,' we look forward to presenting our evidence at his second trial", First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.