• Duane "Keffe D" Davis is on trial for allegedly orchestrating Tupac Shakur's murder in 1996.
• The trial highlights decades of unresolved questions surrounding Shakur's shooting.
• Davis has pleaded not guilty and faces a single murder charge.
• The case's renewed investigation follows Davis' own admissions in interviews and a memoir.
• Prosecutors will focus on proving Davis's leadership role, not who actually fired the weapon.

Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, is facing trial in Las Vegas for allegedly orchestrating the drive-by shooting that led to the death of rap icon Tupac Shakur in 1996. The murder trial, which is expected to last about a month, comes after decades of speculation and findings that brought new insights into this landmark case in hip-hop history. Davis has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder with a deadly weapon, which prosecutors claim he committed to further gang activities, according to CBS News, Reuters, and Los Angeles Times.

The case dates back to September 7, 1996, when Shakur was shot multiple times while traveling in a BMW driven by Marion "Suge" Knight. The shooting occurred after a physical altercation at the MGM Grand, and ultimately led to Shakur's death six days later, while Knight survived with minor injuries. The events of that night are described as being tied to ongoing gang rivalries, particularly between the South Side Compton Crips, of which Davis was affiliated, and rival gangs, as detailed in statements and testimonies regarding the case, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

Davis's trial is anticipated to bring new revelations as more than 35 witnesses are expected to testify. This includes people who interacted with Shakur prior to the shooting and those connected to the gang affiliations mentioned in the investigation. Among these witnesses is Death Row Records co-founder Marion "Suge" Knight, whose potential testimony could hold significant weight in the proceedings, as he was in the car with Shakur the night of the incident, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

The prosecution aims to demonstrate Davis's role as the "shot caller" and orchestrator of the plan to kill Shakur as revenge for his entourage allegedly beating up Davis's nephew earlier that night. While it has been established that Davis handed the murder weapon to another individual in the Cadillac, prosecutors are not aiming to pinpoint who fired the fatal shots during the trial, focusing instead on establishing Davis's command over the situation, as outlined in his own memoir, Compton Street Legend, and further corroborated by witness testimonies, according to CBS News and Reuters.

As jury selection begins, the courtroom is expected to experience significant public interest, leading to a lottery system being implemented for seating. This method will allow a limited number of citizens to view the proceedings live, while additional space will be provided for those who are unable to secure a seat in the main courtroom, as reported by Los Angeles Times and CBS News.