Lil Durk murder-for-hire trial sees key testimony from former associate

The federal murder-for-hire trial of Chicago rapper Lil Durk is underway in Los Angeles, with key testimony provided by Kacey Hester, known as OTF Jam. A former affiliate of Durk’s Only The Family organization, Hester testified that the rapper orchestrated a 2022 shooting targeting rival rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von.

Hester described the execution of the hit as “sloppy” and alleged that Durk promised those involved that they would be “straight” if they successfully targeted Rondo or his associate, Lul Timm. The 2022 ambush resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson. During cross-examination, defense attorneys questioned Hester’s credibility, noting he is testifying as part of a plea agreement to reduce his own prison sentence.

High-profile figures from the hip-hop community have appeared at or expressed support for Durk during the proceedings. Ye (Kanye West) was seen in the courtroom, and Machine Gun Kelly attended earlier in the week. Other artists, including Meek Mill, have voiced support for Durk on social media, while Meek Mill criticized Hester’s decision to testify against his former associate.