Chicago Men Indicted in Los Angeles Murder-for-Hire Plot to Avenge King Von’s Death
Introduction:
The 2020 death of Chicago rapper King Von sent shockwaves through the hip-hop world, and its repercussions continue to unfold. A recent indictment reveals a chilling murder-for-hire plot allegedly orchestrated in retaliation for Von’s death, bringing five Chicago men before a California court on serious charges.
King Von Murder Retribution: Los Angeles Murder-for-Hire Indictment
Five Chicago residents—Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston—face federal charges in Los Angeles for their alleged involvement in a contract killing. The indictment centers on an attempt to murder rapper Quando Rondo, suspected of playing a role in King Von’s death. The charges are severe, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, resulting in death, and the use of a machine gun during a violent crime resulting in death. The most serious charge carries the possibility of the death penalty.
The indictment alleges that the five men have ties to “Only the Family” (OTF), the Chicago hip-hop collective founded by Lil Durk, King Von’s mentor. Prosecutors claim that funds for travel and rental cars used in the alleged plot were obtained through credit cards linked to OTF. Two of the indicted men are also reportedly members of Chicago street gangs.
The arrests occurred in Chicago, followed by appearances at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Judge Jeffrey Gilbert ordered the defendants held pending further proceedings and their transfer to Los Angeles for trial.
Timeline and Details of the Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
The alleged plot stems directly from the November 6, 2020, killing of King Von in Atlanta. The indictment suggests that after Von’s death, an unnamed OTF associate offered financial incentives and promising music career opportunities to anyone who would kill Quando Rondo.
The alleged attempt on Quando Rondo’s life took place in August 2022 in West Hollywood. Rondo, his sister, and his cousin, Saviay’a Robinson (24), were in Rondo’s Cadillac Escalade when the attack occurred near a gas station. While Rondo and his sister survived, Robinson was fatally shot.
The indictment details the alleged actions of the defendants, painting a picture of meticulous planning and surveillance. Grant allegedly rented a hotel room and supplied two vehicles—a BMW and an Infiniti—to track Rondo’s movements. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the two vehicles following Rondo’s Escalade to various locations.
The shooting unfolded at a gas station, with Houston allegedly positioning the vehicles to allow Jones, Lindsey, and an unnamed co-conspirator to carry out the attack. Surveillance video supposedly captures the three firing on Rondo’s vehicle, resulting in Robinson’s death. After the incident, the group allegedly met at a restaurant to discuss payment before returning to Chicago.
Drill Rap Culture and the Cycle of Violence
This case highlights the disturbing intersection of gang violence and the music industry, particularly within the context of Chicago’s drill rap scene. Lil Durk, a highly successful drill rapper, founded OTF over a decade ago as the genre gained global recognition. The often hyper-violent lyrics in drill music are frequently cited as potentially exacerbating existing conflicts and rivalries.
This incident follows the 2020 killing of fellow Chicago drill rapper FBG Duck, which resulted in federal conspiracy convictions earlier this year. A subsequent lawsuit targets Lil Durk, OTF, and King Von’s estate, alleging that OTF operates as a criminal enterprise. The current indictment serves as a stark reminder of the continuing consequences of violence within the hip-hop community and beyond.
Conclusion:
The indictment of these five Chicago men underscores the tragic and far-reaching consequences of the initial violence surrounding King Von’s death. The case will undoubtedly attract significant attention as it proceeds through the legal system, shedding further light on the complex relationship between gang violence, the music industry, and the devastating cycle of retribution.
