The Lil Durk trial is set to resume next Tuesday, September 8, with final instructions and closing arguments before the case heads to jury deliberation. Both the defense and prosecution have rested their cases, with prosecutors alleging that the Chicago rapper orchestrated or authorized a hit on Quando Rondo that killed Rondo’s cousin, while the defense disputes those claims. Earlier this week, the judge reportedly referenced one of England’s most infamous historical murders while explaining how jurors should evaluate evidence and witness testimony.
According to an exclusive AllHipHop report by Grouchy Greg Watkins, United States District Judge Michael Fitzgerald offered the brief history lesson yesterday (Friday, September 4). He brought up the 1170 murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, by four knights. The knights allegedly interpreted King Henry II’s anger toward Becket as approval to attack, while the king denied ordering the murder. Historians reportedly still do not know exactly what happened.
Fitzgerald, however, reportedly described the king’s defense as being pleased with the murder despite not having anything 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.”
The historical reference connects to the Chicago rapper’s case through prosecutors’ allegations that Durk authorized the hit, even if he did not personally issue the order. Defense attorneys, meanwhile, argue that the alleged perpetrators acted independently and that their client should not be held responsible.
To be clear, Judge Fitzgerald did not “pick a side” with his historical comparison. Instead, he used it to explain how jurors must weigh both arguments and decide whether prosecutors proved Lil Durk’s involvement beyond reasonable doubt. He said Durk would be innocent if OTF Vonnie arranged a hit while falsely claiming to have his approval. However, Fitzgerald suggested that evidence of Durk’s “tacit support” could support the prosecution’s case, even if he did not personally give the direct order.
Prosecutors reportedly plan to present evidence linking Durk to a $1 million reward for the hit. One example they reportedly cited was testimony from OTF Jam, who claimed Durk would “make anybody straight” if they killed Quando Rondo. Flacka also testified that Dede offered payment and identified Durk as a willing buyer, adding that Durk sent him to Boonie Moe when he asked to be paid.
Lil Durk’s attorney, Christy O’Connor, pushed back against those 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 said. Defense witnesses also challenged testimony presented by the prosecution.
Durk has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He has been in prison since October of 2024.
