Locked Up Ahead of October Trial
Lil Durk (Durk Banks) will remain in federal custody pending his October trial, after U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald rejected a revised bond proposal that included $4.5 million, 24-hour home detention, electronic monitoring, and private security. Despite the defense’s offer, the judge ruled it insufficient, noting:
“The proffered funds are only a fraction of defendant’s net worth… Any set of conditions would need to impoverish the defendant and lead to the forfeiture of all interest in his intellectual property.”
Fitzgerald emphasized Durk could flee or fund retaliatory actions—particularly via the wealth he holds in music rights.
Lil Durk during an previous court appearance, as federal prosecutors continued to build their case against him.
Durk’s Own Words Contradict the Theory
Ironically, the government’s own filings contain evidence that directly challenges their core claim. Included in the indictment is a text Durk sent to an associate on August 18, 2022—the day before the Los Angeles shooting:
Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me.
Instead of coordinating violence, Durk explicitly distanced himself from any logistical arrangements. Yet the judge’s bond ruling treats this same record as proof of his potential to orchestrate bounties, highlighting a fundamental inconsistency.
Knowledge of a crime or conspiracy – is not a crime.
Read full indictment excerpt (DOJ)
The Manufactured Bounty Narrative
Much of the prosecution’s logic around the case leans heavily on public rumor and assumption rather than verifiable evidence. Central to this is the narrative that Lil Durk somehow placed a bounty on the head of Quando Rondo – a rival of his friend, rapper King Von.
That rumor, widely circulated online, has been repeatedly denied by those closest to Von. Chicago artist TayCapone (formerly Tay600) — who was once close to Von prior to his own criminal run-in which left him with a black eye of his own amid public snitch accusations (TRESIXTY is neither confirming nor denying that rumor) — publicly shut the narrative down:
“One thing about Von… he ain’t need no bag put on nobody head for his people to slide. They was sliding off strength alone. They loved him and respected him that much.”
These voices show that Von’s influence was rooted in genuine loyalty—not financial incentivization.
King Von giving back to O’Block after receiving his first major check—a widely discussed moment when Von reportedly distributed his first $100K back to the block.
King Von’s Loyalty Was Earned, Not Bought
Von’s reputation wasn’t built on transactional relationships. His bond with O’Block ran far deeper. After receiving his first major music check, Von reportedly funneled the entire $100K back into his block.
His famous line from Welcome to O’Block encapsulates it:
“Don’t get booked ’cause ain’t no bond money, we do this shit for free.”
That wasn’t an artistic flourish—it was a declaration of real-world practice: loyalty, not money, ruled.
Prosecutorial Shortcuts Melt Under Scrutiny
This case exposes a troubling trend:
- Assume wealth = violence
- Present suspicion as evidence
- Rely on cultural ignorance and hearsay
What the prosecution dismisses as fact falls apart when viewed through Durk’s own text messages, public denials from insiders, and Von’s legacy of genuine allegiance.
Durk’s documented charitable efforts—like his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation—are ignored, while hypothetical fears about asset loss or flight become the case’s foundation.
Lil Durk pictured with community leaders and supporters during a Neighborhood Heroes Foundation event.
Final Word
There is no credible evidence Durk placed bounties on Quando Rondo or anyone else. The court’s bond demands attempt to exhaust Durk’s resources, ironically as a means to guarantee innocence by stripping rights. The legal system treats success as guilt by default—even when the accused’s own words and community speak against it.
Closing Quote
King Von’s lyric from Welcome to O’Block says it all:
“Don’t get booked ’cause ain’t no bond money, we do this sh— for free.”
That’s not just rap bravado—it’s a cultural truth with real-world implications. And in this case, truth demands we let truth—not assumptions—guide justice.