The hip-hop world is once again facing scrutiny as Durk Banks, known as Lil Durk, a Grammy-nominated rapper from Chicago, was arrested on federal charges. This arrest is linked to a chilling conspiracy to murder a rival rapper, a plot that tragically resulted in the death of an innocent family member in Los Angeles in August 2022. The backdrop of this case is deeply intertwined with the violence that plagues the rap industry, specifically stemming from the 2020 murder of Dayvon Bennett, famously known as King Von. While the legal proceedings against Lil Durk unfold, a crucial question resurfaces: How Many People Did King Von Kill, and how does his past contribute to the ongoing cycle of violence?
Lil Durk, 32, was apprehended near Miami International Airport and faces charges of conspiracy to use interstate facilities for murder-for-hire, leading to death. United States Attorney Martin Estrada described the alleged crime as a “cold-blooded murder” orchestrated by Banks, emphasizing the public danger of the shooting at a busy gas station near the Beverly Center. The FBI and LAPD collaborated on the investigation, highlighting the extensive reach of law enforcement and their commitment to solving violent crimes, even across state lines.
According to the federal complaint, the roots of this conspiracy trace back to the death of Dayvon Bennett, or King Von, a close friend of Lil Durk and a member of the “Only the Family” (OTF) rap collective. OTF, led by Banks, is described by law enforcement as not only a music group but also an entity involved in violence, including murder and assault, under Banks’ direction. King Von was murdered on November 6, 2020, by an associate of a rival identified as “T.B.” This event ignited a feud, with Banks allegedly placing a bounty on T.B.’s life in retaliation.
Image alt text: Lil Durk, also known as Durk Banks, mugshot after arrest by federal authorities in Miami, facing murder-for-hire conspiracy charges.
The complaint details a meticulously planned operation on August 19, 2022, where OTF members and associates allegedly tracked and stalked T.B. for hours. This culminated in a shooting at a gas station where at least 18 rounds were fired at T.B.’s vehicle. Tragically, T.B.’s family member, identified as “S.R.,” who was traveling with him, was killed in the barrage of bullets. The hit was allegedly financed by Banks and OTF funds. Records indicate that an OTF associate, acting on Banks’ instructions, arranged and paid for five individuals to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles the day before the murder. Adding to the clandestine nature of the operation, Banks reportedly instructed the associate booking flights to avoid using names connected to him.
Image alt text: Joint press release by the Department of Justice announcing the arrest of Lil Durk and associates in murder-for-hire conspiracy case, emphasizing collaboration between FBI and LAPD.
On the same day the hired individuals flew to California, Banks himself traveled via private jet to California with Kavon London Grant, also known as “Cuz” and “Vonnie.” Grant is accused of purchasing ski masks for the shooters and using a credit card in Banks’ name to pay for their hotel rooms. Grant and four other defendants were arrested in Chicago and indicted on charges related to the murder-for-hire plot. These individuals are Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston. They face charges including conspiracy, murder-for-hire resulting in death, and firearms offenses.
While the focus of this recent case is on Lil Durk’s alleged actions in the murder-for-hire plot, the underlying question about King Von’s past actions remains relevant. The article explicitly states that the feud, and subsequent revenge plot, stemmed from the murder of King Von. While this article does not detail specific instances of King Von killing anyone, the context provided strongly implies a history of violence associated with him and OTF. The narrative suggests a cycle of retaliation and violence within this specific segment of the hip-hop community, where King Von’s death appears to be a pivotal point triggering further bloodshed.
Image alt text: Excerpt from federal criminal complaint against Durk Banks (Lil Durk), outlining charges of conspiracy to use interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death.
The legal proceedings against Lil Durk and his associates are ongoing, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, this case throws a harsh light on the consequences of violence and retaliation, seemingly fueled by past actions and unresolved feuds. The question “how many people did King Von kill?” remains unanswered within this document, yet the context paints a picture of a world where violence is a recurring theme, and the cycle continues with tragic repercussions, as seen in the death of an innocent family member in this alleged revenge killing. The investigation and trials will hopefully shed more light on the specifics of this case and the broader issues of violence within certain circles of the music industry.
