'Elated and relieved': Tupac's family reacts to guilty verdict
Tupac Shakur's family expressed relief, elation and gratitude following the verdict in the long-running case over the rapper's death.
"Above all, we honor Afeni Shakur -- a mother whose strength and unshakable belief in her son's truth carried this fight long before any of us knew where it would lead,” Tupac's cousin, Aiysha Obafemi, who was present throughout the trial, said in a statement provided to ABC News.
The jury found Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of murdering Tupac Shakur, 30 years after the rapper was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.
Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before finding him guilty of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang. The 63-year-old faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.
"The family of Tupac Amaru Shakur is elated and relieved by today's verdict. We would like to thank the jury for thoughtfully fulfilling their duty and carefully listening to all the evidence,” Obafemi’s statement continued. "Our deepest appreciation goes out to our family, friends, loved ones and all of Tupac's fans, who have always provided their love and support.”
Davis stood with his lawyer as the verdict was read, then sat with his hands clasped on the table.
Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny set Davis' sentencing for Oct. 13.
Prosecutors say Davis did not fire the gun that killed Shakur in a drive-by shooting near the Las Vegas Strip on Sept. 7, 1996. They allege the shooting was carried out by either Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson, Davis' nephew, or another man in the backseat of the car.
Police and prosecutors have accused Davis, an admitted longtime leader of a Los Angeles street gang, of being the "shot caller" and handing the gunman the weapon used to kill Shakur.
"We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the marshals and advocates who supported and protected us throughout this process. Your steady presence and care did not go unnoticed, and we are forever grateful,” Obafemi said. "While this verdict is decades in the making, this is not the end of the story. Tupac's legacy and impact on the world lives on and we will continue to do everything we can to keep his spirit alive."
