Lil Durk was recently found not guilty on all counts in his murder-for-hire case, but he still has another federal trial scheduled to begin on October 5, which remains the start date at press time. The upcoming case stems from prosecutors’ allegations that he financed murder in aid of racketeering, commonly referred to as a VICAR charge, and allegedly elevated the status of those involved within his collective and group. Regarding the upcoming proceedings, journalist Michael Blackshire reported that, as of Thursday afternoon (September 17), no motions had been filed that would advance the case or alter its schedule.
“As of this afternoon, we have not heard of any motion filed regarding the next Lil Durk federal trial on October 5th,” Blackshire reported via Twitter. “Judge Fitzgerald and prosecutors spoke of the next trial date matter-of-factly right after the verdict last week. United States Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli mentioned the same trial date last week in a post.”
In a tweet posted less than an hour later, the journalist revealed that the Chicago rapper’s attorneys had requested a “Speedy Trial,” a constitutional right afforded to Durk in the United States. U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald, who presided over the murder-for-hire case, reportedly stated last Friday: “Counsels are ordered to return at that time (October 5th), absent a stipulation or a successful motion to continue the trial pursuant to the Speedy Trial Act.”
The absence of motions in the case, whether seeking a delay, dismissal, or addressing other legal matters, has led to speculation among fans. Some believe prosecutors could still seek another postponement after the murder-for-hire case experienced several controversial delays. Others see the lack of filings as a sign that the trial could move forward as scheduled on October 5. For now, however, more official information will be needed.
Lil Durk has remained in custody since his October 2024 arrest. If the racketeering-related case proceeds according to the current schedule, the trial date would fall almost exactly two years after his arrest.
The upcoming proceedings focus on broader allegations involving alleged murder plots and financial compensation. Judge Fitzgerald previously severed the case from the murder-for-hire allegations after prosecutors combined the accusations in a superseding indictment. The judge argued that the scope of the allegations could unfairly prejudice Durk.
