Lil Durk Implicated In Killing Of Chicago Gangster, Denied Bond In Murder-For-Hire Case

Lil Durk has been implicated in the killing of an alleged Chicago gang leader, shortly after being charged with a separate murder-for-hire case related to a slaying in Los Angeles.

According to newly released court documents, the rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks, allegedly financed the January 2022 shooting death of Stephon Mack, who was said to be the leader of the Smashville faction of the Gangster Disciples.

The murder is believed to have been in retaliation for the death of Durk’s brother, Dontay “DThang” Banks, who was shot outside a nightclub in Harvey, Illinois in 2021.

“Lil Durk was and still is offering money for people to kill those responsible for his brother’s murder, and more specifically, offering to pay money for any Gangster Disciple that is killed,” a federal agent stated in the filing, which was submitted in April 2023 and unsealed on December 11.

Durk has not been charged in connection with Mack’s murder, though police sources told the Chicago Tribune that the investigation remains ongoing.

Earlier this year, two men—Anthony Montgomery-Wilson and Preston Powell—were charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in connection with Mack’s death.

Investigators reportedly found a two-person text conversation on Montgomery-Wilson’s phone where one person asked: “Did durk gave (sic) u that money.”

The unsealed documents were presented by prosecutors during Durk’s detention hearing in his murder-for-hire case on December 12, as evidence that he should remain in jail until trial.

The judge sided with the prosecution, denying the rapper’s bond request. Durk’s trial is scheduled to begin on January 7.

During the hearing, prosecutors cited “other murders” allegedly orchestrated by Durk, claiming: “Evidence collected in this case also shows [Durk] has allegedly placed monetary bounties to solicit other murders, including a family member of a witness.

“[His] modus operandi is clear: he will use his power, his money, his influence, and any pretrial release to endanger anyone who he perceives as a threat, including witnesses in this case.”

Durk’s defense team had proposed using his two Georgia homes, valued at a combined $2.3 million, as well as $1 million in cash from his label, Sony Music, to secure his release on bond.

“We were obviously disappointed, but will continue to fight on,” Durk’s attorney, Jonathan Brayman, said after the hearing. “Mr. Banks remains confident and optimistic about the future. He deeply appreciates the outpouring of love and support he has felt since his arrest.”

In October, Durk was arrested along with five other men for allegedly orchestrating an attempted murder on fellow rapper Quando Rondo in August 2022. Rondo survived the shooting, which took place at a gas station in L.A., but his cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, was killed.

Authorities believe the attack was carried out to avenge the death of Durk’s close friend and collaborator, King Von, who was fatally shot during a confrontation with Rondo and his crew in Atlanta two years earlier.

Prosecutors allege that Durk placed a bounty on Rondo’s life and provided money and resources to members of his OTF (Only the Family) crew to carry out the shooting.

Durk has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of murder-for-hire and weapons offenses. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.