Chicago rapper Durk Banks, known as Lil Durk, is on trial in Los Angeles facing charges of conspiracy, stalking resulting in death, and murder for hire. The trial centers on the 2022 killing of 24-year-old Saviay'a Robinson, who was shot near the Beverly Center when three shooters fired 18 rounds at a black Escalade. The vehicle contained Robinson and the intended target, rapper Tyquian Bowman, also known as Quando Rondo.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys agree the shooting was motivated by revenge for the death of rapper Dayvon Bennett, known as King Von, who was killed in Atlanta two years prior. However, the parties disagree on who orchestrated the retaliation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Weiner told jurors that Banks was "consumed with revenge" and used his wealth to hire hitmen to settle the score. Seven people were charged in connection with the killing. Banks has pleaded not guilty. Two other defendants are currently on trial, while three others have reached plea deals to testify for the government, including Banks' former personal assistant, Kavon Grant.

Defense attorney Marissa Goldberg argued that Grant, not Banks, sought revenge for the death of his cousin, Bennett. Goldberg claimed Grant organized the logistics for the L.A. hit, including cars, hotel accommodations, and ski masks, and suggested Grant is using Banks as an "insurance policy" to avoid prosecution.

During testimony, Kacey Hester, also known as OTF Jam, testified that Banks was the mastermind. "It's not his fault. It's Durk's fault. Durk put us in the situation, not him," Hester said. "He wasn't the mastermind behind this ... he was following orders just like everybody else was."