Chicago Rapper Lil Durk Arrested by U.S. Marshals in Florida on Murder-for-Hire Charge
October 25, 2024 — U.S. Marshals arrested 32-year-old Chicago rapper Lil Durk, real name Durk Devontay Banks, on Thursday in Florida, charging him with murder-for-hire, according to public booking records. The artist, known for his influential role in the rap scene and as the founder of the Only The Family (OTF) hip-hop collective, was detained at Broward County Jail with no option for bail, deepening the legal troubles surrounding the Chicago-based rapper.
Authorities have not released further statements, and representatives for Lil Durk have yet to respond to media inquiries. His arrest follows a sweeping federal indictment targeting five individuals linked to OTF, all accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot reportedly driven by a desire to avenge a murdered associate. According to sources, the individuals allegedly involved in this plot were implicated by a federal grand jury in California for conspiring to commit murder across state lines, ultimately resulting in the death of an unintended victim.
Court documents reveal a complex and violent narrative behind the charges. The indictment states that on November 6, 2020, Dayvon Daquan Bennett, a high-ranking member of OTF known as “King Von,” was killed in an Atlanta nightclub altercation. The altercation, which was reported widely at the time, allegedly escalated when an associate of a rival group member, identified in court only as “T.B.,” shot Bennett. This fatal confrontation appears to have set off a dangerous chain reaction, with members of OTF allegedly seeking retribution for Bennett’s death.
Following Bennett’s death, a “Co-Conspirator 1” reportedly communicated through coded language, offering a financial bounty for the elimination of T.B., believed to be responsible for Bennett’s murder. As per the indictment, in August 2022, the conspirators learned that T.B. was staying at a hotel in Los Angeles. Acting on this information, five individuals—Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Asa Houston, Keith Jones, and David Brian Lindsey—made the journey from Chicago and Florida to Los Angeles, allegedly planning to carry out the hit.
The document details the events leading up to August 19, 2022, when Grant, Wilson, Jones, Lindsey, and Houston, along with “Co-Conspirator 2,” are accused of tracking T.B.’s black Cadillac Escalade as it moved through Los Angeles. They reportedly used two vehicles to pursue T.B., armed with various firearms, including a fully automatic weapon. Upon spotting T.B. at a gas station, Jones, Lindsey, and Co-Conspirator 2 reportedly opened fire, intending to kill T.B. but fatally wounding a passenger identified only as “S.R.”
Court records indicate that Wilson, acting on behalf of the group, allegedly paid the promised bounty following the attack. The indictment describes the use of multiple “interstate facilities” for planning and executing the assault, including cars, cell phones, and the internet, emphasizing the premeditated and organized nature of the operation.
The five OTF associates now face severe charges. The indictment includes allegations of conspiracy to commit murder for hire across state lines, the use of firearms—including machine guns—in a violent crime, and various other firearms-related offenses. Additionally, the suspects are facing charges under federal criminal forfeiture laws, which allow the government to seize property and assets related to the crime. Each charge carries the potential for significant prison time, if not life sentences, under federal guidelines.
Court officials have not disclosed whether the accused individuals have secured legal representation.
Lil Durk’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the music industry and Chicago’s hip-hop community. Having established OTF in the early 2010s, Lil Durk has long been a major figure in rap, particularly within drill music, a style known for its raw depiction of urban violence and social issues. His 2018 album, titled "Only the Family," reflected these themes, resonating deeply with audiences and positioning him as a powerful voice in the genre.
Over the years, OTF has evolved from a music collective into a broader cultural movement, attracting both admiration and criticism. Lil Durk has maintained that his music and his label aim to uplift Chicago's communities, yet critics argue that OTF’s associations with violent themes reinforce negative stereotypes. The indictment, which links key OTF figures to violent, organized criminal activities, is likely to amplify scrutiny of rap music’s relationship with real-life violence and the broader influence of hip-hop on youth culture.
Lil Durk’s arrest on federal charges marks a significant moment for Chicago’s rap scene, igniting discussions about music, violence, and accountability. As the legal process unfolds, this high-profile case may redefine the legacy of a collective that has both inspired and incited debate across communities. Whether Lil Durk and his associates are guilty of the charges against them remains to be seen, but the case underscores the blurred lines between music as an artistic expression and its complex, sometimes volatile, connection to real-life conflicts.
