Crime Scene: Tupac Murder Suspect Speaks Out

Hosted by ABC News | Episode Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In the first episode of ABC Audio's "The Crime Scene Weekly," host Brad Milkey delves into one of the most infamous unsolved cases in music history: the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur. As the 50th anniversary of Tupac's tragic death approaches, Milkey and chief investigative reporter Josh Margolin revisit newly uncovered evidence, including investigative tapes, deathbed conversations, and exclusive interviews, shedding fresh light on the enduring mystery.

The Night of Tupac Shakur's Murder [02:00 - 03:22]

On the evening of September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was in Las Vegas, riding in a BMW driven by Suge Knight, the prominent leader of Death Row Records. After attending a Mike Tyson fight, the entourage navigated the bustling Las Vegas Strip amidst a sea of fans and groupies. At a red light on Las Vegas Boulevard, shots suddenly pierced the air, critically injuring both Tupac and Suge Knight. Tupac succumbed to his injuries later that week, leaving the nation in shock.

Josh Margolin [02:15]: "Tupac Shakur was as big a music act and entertainer as there is. We're talking about Frank Sinatra for that generation."

Tupac's Influence and the East Coast-West Coast Rivalry [03:22 - 06:21]

Tupac had recently released his landmark album, All Eyez on Me, which included hits like "California Love." At just 25, he was on the cusp of superstardom, comparable to icons like Madonna. Concurrently, the mid-90s were marked by intense East Coast-West Coast rivalries within the rap industry, fueled by underlying gang conflicts between the Crips and Bloods. This volatile environment made Tupac's rise and subsequent murder a focal point of media attention and speculation.

Josh Margolin [04:28]: "We have the explosion of the crack wars, the drug wars in the inner cities… gangs aligned with these individual record labels… a recipe for violence."

Initial Investigation and the Code of Silence [06:21 - 07:21]

Following Tupac's murder, law enforcement launched an aggressive investigation. However, cooperation from witnesses was scarce due to the pervasive "code of the streets" prevalent among those connected to gangs and the rap scene. Suge Knight, despite being a key witness, maintained a reticent stance, emphasizing that his role did not extend to solving homicides.

Brad Milkey [06:21]: "How did the investigation proceed after that?"

Josh Margolin [07:21]: "Suge Knight... he was very, very clear that he doesn't get paid to solve homicides."

The Arrest of Dwayne Davis (Keefe D) [07:22 - 10:56]

Years into the investigation, in 2023, law enforcement shifted focus to Dwayne Davis, known as Keefe D, a former Compton drug dealer allegedly linked to the Crips. Despite Davis denying membership in the gang, prosecutors labeled him a "shot caller" within the Crips hierarchy. His connection to Tupac's murder stemmed from a purportedly pivotal fight between Tupac and Orlando Anderson, a recognized Crip member.

Josh Margolin [08:56]: "Dwayne Davis, aka Keefe D, grew up in Compton and denies being part of the Crips, yet authorities assert his significant role."

Keefe D's Confessions and Legal Proceedings [10:36 - 16:57]

In a controversial move, Davis entered a proffer agreement, believing it granted him immunity. However, rather than providing concrete evidence, he offered a narrative implicating himself indirectly in Tupac's death. Over the years, his stories have been inconsistent, oscillating between full confession and assertions of innocence. The Las Vegas police, cautious of relying solely on his statements, continued to seek corroborative evidence before proceeding with charges.

Brad Milkey [10:36]: "How does Keefe D get wrapped up in the Tupac case?"

Josh Margolin [12:07]: "He claims to have been in the car that pulled up to Tupac's vehicle, orchestrating the shots as an act of revenge."

Exclusive Interview with Keefe D [18:32 - 27:30]

After years of evading comprehensive interviews, Keefe D finally sat down with Josh Margolin for an in-depth conversation. In this exclusive interview, Davis vehemently denies involvement in Tupac's murder, presenting an alibi that places him in Los Angeles at the time of the shooting. He admits to lapses in judgment during his youth but maintains his innocence regarding the assault on Tupac. Additionally, Davis claims that his previous confessions were motivated by a desire to protect others from imprisonment and that subsequent public statements were driven by financial incentives.

Josh Margolin [20:40]: "He tells us that he didn't do it, that he is innocent…"

Dwayne Davis [21:34]: "I'm innocent. I ain't killed nobody, and I'm being held against my will."

Davis also implicates Reggie Wright Jr., a former Compton police officer, suggesting his involvement in the conspiracy. However, Wright has denied these allegations, further muddying the waters of the investigation.

Josh Margolin [23:19]: "He points the finger at Reggie Wright Jr., who has a detailed explanation denying his involvement."

Legal Implications and Future Proceedings [25:04 - 27:30]

Currently, Davis faces multiple charges beyond the Tupac homicide, including battery from a jailhouse altercation. Prosecutors aim to portray him as an ongoing threat by highlighting his violent history, potentially influencing outcomes in his favor. The trial for Tupac's murder has been tentatively scheduled for February 2026, delayed due to the complexities of reopening a decades-old case with limited concrete evidence.

Josh Margolin [25:04]: "There's a bunch of different things in the legal system that he's facing…"

Josh Margolin [27:30]: "It's hard to say, but it's a different time… if Tupac had been another icon, the case might have been solved more quickly."

Legacy and Impact [27:30 - 28:34]

As the investigation drags on, the Tupac murder case remains emblematic of the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving high-profile crimes intertwined with deep-seated cultural and gang-related conflicts. The enduring mystery continues to captivate and frustrate fans, law enforcement, and the general public alike, serving as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in the intersection of celebrity, crime, and justice.

Brad Milkey [27:30]: "What's next, then, for Keefe D, legally?"

Josh Margolin [28:34]: "The judge has made him sit in jail… that's another thing he has taken issue with."

Conclusion

"The Crime Scene: Tupac Murder Suspect Speaks Out" offers a comprehensive examination of the enduring mysteries surrounding Tupac Shakur's untimely death. Through meticulous reporting and exclusive interviews, ABC News provides listeners with an in-depth understanding of the case's complexities, the suspect's evolving narratives, and the broader implications for the true crime landscape.

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