Lil Durk’s murder-for-hire trial entered its second day, Friday, August 21, as the court continued the difficult process of choosing a jury.
However, another issue involving some of the rapper’s supporters inside the courtroom drew the attention of Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald.
According to reports from people covering the case in Los Angeles, fans were allegedly handing out postcards carrying the message “Free Durk.”
His fans also in Ghana staged a street march in Ghana to demand his release in the United States over murder-for-hire allegations.
The supporters, many carrying OTF flags, were filmed walking through the streets while chanting “Free Lil Durk.” OTF, meaning Only The Family, is the rap collective and label closely associated with the Chicago-born musician.
The march showed the strong support Lil Durk enjoys beyond the US, particularly among young hip-hop fans in Africa
Participants appeared determined to stand with the rapper despite the serious legal battle surrounding him.
Lil Durk, born Durk Banks, is being held in federal custody in the United States, and has pleaded not guilty to charges connected to a 2022 shooting in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors allege that the incident was part of a murder-for-hire plot, although the case is still before the courts.
The rapper’s legal troubles have attracted widespread attention from fans, fellow artists and the wider hip-hop community.
While some supporters continue to campaign for his freedom, the outcome of the case will be decided through the US justice system.
For now, the Ghana march has added an international voice to the growing “Free Lil Durk” campaign.
Judge Fitzgerald was said to be very upset by the these ‘activity” especially in his courtroom. He reportedly warned that distributing material meant to influence public opinion during jury selection was unacceptable.
The judge described such conduct as “grossly improper” because it could affect potential jurors or create pressure around the case.
Prosecutors accuse Lil Durk of being involved in arranging the alleged hit targeting Quando Rondo. Durk and his co-defendants have denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
The jury selection process has also been delayed because finding impartial jurors has proved difficult.
One potential juror reportedly said that Lil Durk and the other accused men looked guilty, raising concerns about whether that person could fairly consider the evidence.
If convicted of the federal murder-for-hire charges, Lil Durk could face life in prison.
The case is expected to include arguments over the use of music, lyrics, and other artistic material as possible evidence.
