A government witness who agreed to cooperate with prosecutors has directly connected Lil Durk to the suspected murder for hire scheme that jurors have heard about throughout the proceedings. Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester testified on Wednesday, August 26, acknowledging his role in the August 2022 shooting that claimed the life of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson. According to journalists reporting from the federal courtroom in Los Angeles, Hester then identified Durk as someone involved in the alleged operation.
While discussing the attack, Hester also pointed to Durk’s codefendants Deandre “DeDe” Wilson and David “Browneyez” Lindsey, journalist Michael Blackshire reported. His statements are especially significant because he was allegedly part of the events rather than someone observing them from a distance. Hester previously entered a guilty plea related to the suspected scheme and is now assisting federal authorities. His appearance puts a former OTF affiliate on the witness stand against Durk as prosecutors work to establish that the rapper directed an act of revenge targeting Quando Rondo.
Disturbing Testimony Unfolds in Court
The situation inside the courtroom has already sparked widespread discussion online, with many people examining Hester’s cooperation in relation to his past involvement with OTF. During their opening arguments, prosecutors portrayed him as a person who was reportedly “deployed as a hitman.” Meanwhile, Durk’s legal team has attempted to persuade the jury that Hester and the other witnesses assisting the government could benefit from placing the blame elsewhere. Durk entered a not guilty plea and maintains that he neither authorized nor funded the attack.
Durk’s lawyers started questioning Hester’s reliability before he ever appeared in court. During the questioning of LAPD Detective Warner Carias, defense attorney Brian Steel raised concerns about the way investigators conducted conversations with Hester and additional cooperating witnesses. Carias said authorities spoke with Hester roughly 30 times, though recordings were made during only three of those meetings. Steel highlighted that gap while arguing that jurors may have limited opportunities to independently review how Hester’s version developed, leaving them dependent on police notes and memories.
Jurors have also seen evidence suggesting that Durk and those around him anticipated Hester might cooperate. A group text from 2023 presented during the trial appeared to show Durk discussing the possibility that Jam would talk to investigators. According to Rolling Stone, one message read, “Jam just ready to snitch,” followed by another suggesting the group should remain unified regardless of what he said. The exchange predates Durk’s October 2024 arrest and gives prosecutors another piece of evidence to place alongside Hester’s testimony.
The government alleges Durk used his money and position within OTF to finance an effort to kill Quando Rondo after the 2020 death of King Von. Rondo survived the August 19, 2022 shooting near the Beverly Center, but Robinson, his cousin, was killed. Prosecutors say Hester was among the men who traveled to California as part of that operation. Durk’s attorneys have instead argued that Kavon “OTF Vonnie” Grant organized the attack and that there is no evidence Durk promised or paid anyone to carry out a killing.
Hester is one of three cooperating witnesses with ties to the alleged plot who prosecutors have told jurors they intend to use. Grant and Keith “Flacka” Jones have also pleaded guilty and are expected to testify. With Hester now directly implicating Durk from the witness stand, his credibility and the terms surrounding his cooperation are poised to become a major battleground as the defense gets its opportunity to challenge his account.
The jury has also reviewed material indicating that Durk and members of his circle may have expected Hester to assist investigators. A 2023 group chat introduced as evidence appeared to capture Durk addressing the possibility that Jam would provide information. As reported by Rolling Stone, one of the texts stated, “Jam just ready to snitch,” while another reportedly encouraged everyone to stay together regardless of his claims. The conversation occurred before Durk was taken into custody in October 2024, giving the prosecution another item to present beside Hester’s account.
Federal prosecutors claim Durk relied on his influence and financial resources within OTF to support an attempted killing of Quando Rondo following King Von’s death in 2020. Rondo escaped the shooting near the Beverly Center on August 19, 2022, but his cousin Robinson lost his life. Authorities allege that Hester belonged to the group that went to California to participate in the plan. Durk’s defense team has countered that Kavon “OTF Vonnie” Grant arranged the shooting and insists there is nothing proving Durk offered compensation or made payments for anyone to commit murder.
Prosecutors have identified Hester as one of three cooperating individuals connected to the suspected conspiracy whom they plan to present before the jury. Grant and Keith “Flacka” Jones have also admitted guilt and are anticipated to give testimony. Now that Hester has personally linked Durk to the accusations from the stand, questions surrounding his trustworthiness and the conditions of his agreement with prosecutors will likely become central issues when the defense challenges his version of events.
