The Lil Durk trial will resume next week on Tuesday, September 8 with final instructions and closing arguments before heading into jury deliberation. Both the defense and the prosecution rested their cases, either denying or alleging that the Chicago rapper orchestrated or authorized a hit on Quando Rondo that took the life of Rondo's cousin. Earlier this week, the judge in the case reportedly brought up one of England's most infamous historical murders to indicate how jurors should proceed with their evaluation of evidence and witness testimonies.
According to an exclusive AllHipHop report from Grouchy Greg Watkins, United States District Judge Michael Fitzgerald gave this brief history lesson yesterday (Friday, September 4). He referenced the murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170 at the hands of four knights. The knights allegedly misinterpreted King Henry II's anger at Becket as an approval of attack, and the king denied ordering the murder. Historians reportedly still do not know what really happened.
However, Fitzgerald characterized the king's defense as being happy with the murder despite having nothing to do with it. "Here in the United States, we don’t have kings," the judge reportedly remarked. "And just because [Lil Durk] is a celebrity, I don’t think the jury is going to literally let him get away with murder."
This historical event's relation to the Chicago rapper's case is due to prosecutors' allegations that Durk authorized the hit, even if he may not have directly given the order. On the other hand, defense attorneys argue the true culprits acted independently, and thus, their client is not responsible.
How Long Has Lil Durk Been In Jail?
To be clear, Judge Fitzgerald did not "pick a side" via his historical comparison. Rather, he illustrated to the jury how they must evaluate both claims and determine whether prosecutors proved Lil Durk's involvement beyond reasonable doubt. He argued Durk would be innocent if OTF Vonnie organized a hit under false pretenses of his approval. But Judge Fitzgerald suggested jurors' identification of proof of Durk's "tacit support" would validate prosecutors' claims despite him not necessarily giving the direct order.
Prosecutors reportedly plan to show how Durk is connected to a $1 million reward for the hit. One example they reportedly pointed to was witness testimony from OTF Jam, in which he claimed Durk would "make anybody straight" if they were to murder Quando Rondo. Flacka also claimed on the stand that Dede offered payment and named Durk as a willing buyer, and that Durk sent him to Boonie Moe when he asked for payment.
On the other hand, Lil Durk's attorney Christy O'Connor argued against prosecutors' claims. "My concern is the difference between knowing other people are offering bounties, maybe even in your name, that aren’t true, and intending yourself," she reportedly expressed. Witness testimony for the defense also argued against witnesses for the prosecution.
Durk has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He's been in prison since October of 2024.
