Judge denies Lil Durk's $4.5 million bail request for orchestrating a 2022 murder-for-hire plot

Lil Durk's request to get out of jail by paying $4.5 million was denied by U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald. The rapper, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, was arrested in October 2024 in Florida. He was accused of planning a 2022 shooting at a gas station in Los Angeles, which was meant to target rapper Quando Rondo. The incident ended up killing Quando Rondo's cousin, Lul Pab.

A statement from the U.S. District Court, released on June 9, said that the request for bail had been denied. The court documents also confirmed Banks poses a danger,

"The nature of the charges and the presumption both point to a danger in this case, not just to the community at large. Likewise, the Government’s additional evidence points to a danger to anyone in this case who might testify against Defendant. This case, then, contrasts where the putative danger was, say, more drug trafficking."

The Magistrate Judge concluded,

"Defendant uses his money, influence and power to endanger individuals whom he perceives as a threat."

The judge reportedly ruled that the suggested terms for his release weren’t strong enough to stop him from affecting the case.

"As the Government correctly pointed out, the proposed release conditions would not prevent Defendant from engaging in criminal conduct to frustrate the prosecution of this case."

As per the court's statement, while his lawyers downplayed his rule-breaking in jail, the court believes it showed he could easily break rules if allowed to stay at home.

Michael Fitzgerald gives statements on Lil Durk's case

When asked about the punishment Lil Durk will most likely face in case he is proven guilty, Judge Fitzgerald said,

"The sentence is mandatory life in prison without parole, which would make any innocent defendant consider flight as the rational alternative."

As per Courthouse News Service, the judge believes no rules can make sure Banks will show up to court later or keep the community safe.

While talking about Lil Durk's attempt to visit the Middle East just before his arrest, the judge added,

"The court accepts that defendant has business and spiritual reasons to travel to the Middle East. There is no evidence that he intended to do so that day for any reason apart from the murder and resulting arrests of the codefendants."

The attorney of the rapper, Drew Findling, hasn't yet made any statement or shared his thoughts on the judge's decision.

Read More:

What did Lil Durk's team say about the FBI informant in a bid to get him out of jail? Complete updates

Why was Lil Durk arrested? Charges and case details explored

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