Duane “Keefe D” Davis had his sentencing delayed as a judge investigates whether a juror’s lunchtime comments violated trial rules.
Duane “Keefe D” Davis had his sentencing postponed after a judge agreed to investigate claims that a juror improperly discussed jail violence during his trial for a detention center brawl.
The delay comes after Keefe D’s attorney alleged that one juror shared personal experiences about inmate fights with fellow jurors during a lunch break.
The convo potentially violated court rules that prohibit trial discussions before deliberations.
Judge Nadia Krall ruled that the conversation qualified as “newly discovered evidence” and ordered an evidentiary hearing, during which all 14 jurors and a witness will be questioned under oath.
The defense is pushing for a new trial, arguing the juror’s comments may have swayed the panel’s decision and compromised Keefe D’s right to a fair trial.
The juror’s alleged remarks only came to light after the verdict, according to his legal team, which claims the information was not available during the trial.
Judge Krall said the hearing will determine whether the juror’s statements had any influence on the outcome and whether a retrial is warranted.
Keefe D, who was convicted earlier this year for his role in the jailhouse altercation, faces two to 12 years behind bars if the sentence stands.
According to Court House News, the sentencing delay adds another legal wrinkle for Keefe D, who is also facing a high-profile murder charge in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur.
His murder trial, tied to the Las Vegas drive-by shooting, has already been pushed to 2026 as prosecutors build their case. He has pleaded not guilty.
The evidentiary hearing on the jailhouse fight case is scheduled for July 2, 2025.
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