Key Takeaways
- Lil Durk was moved into the Special Housing Unit at MDC Los Angeles on Oct. 30, according to Bureau of Prisons union secretary Jose Rojas, as reported by TMZ.
- Sources allege Lil Durk was sent to solitary after asking the deputy warden about repeated cell searches that have turned up no contraband since his acquittal in the murder-for-hire case.
- Lil Durk's earlier stay in the unit began Aug. 29, 2025, and attorney Christy O'Connor said he spent 131 days in isolation before returning to general population in January.
- Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald hears Lil Durk's bond request on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with Sony offering to guarantee an appearance bond of up to $1 million and letters of support from Jay-Z and J. Cole.
Less than two months after being acquitted in his murder-for-hire trial, Lil Durk has been placed in solitary confinement after alleged disagreements with prison staff.
As reported by TMZ, Bureau of Prison Union secretary Jose Rojas confirmed the rapper, real name Durk Devontay Banks, was moved into the Special Housing Unit at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles on October 30.
Sources told the outlet that Durk's cell has allegedly been "constantly searched" since his acquittal in the murder-for-hire case, despite officers not finding contraband. After asking about the repeated searches, the rapper was reportedly reprimanded and sent into solitary confinement.
Complex has reached out to Durk’s rep and the Bureau of Prisons for comment.
This is Durk's second stretch in the unit. In January, his attorney Christy O’Connor revealed he was placed in solitary confinement for over 130 days after being found in possession of an Apple Watch. The rapper’s legal team complained that he was being held “without process” and was reportedly locked in his cell 23 hours a day, barred from in-person visits and not allowed access to commissary.
O'Connor argued at the time that "the deleterious effects of extended solitary confinement on an inmate's psychological well-being are well-documented."
Durk was acquitted on Sept. 11 of all five murder-for-hire and stalking counts he faced. He remains in federal custody on separate charges of murder in aid of racketeering and a firearm offense, and he has pleaded not guilty to both. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald has pushed that trial to Aug. 30, 2027.
His defense has asked Fitzgerald to reconsider his detention. Sony has offered to guarantee an appearance bond of up to $1 million, and Durk has offered his future royalties, publishing revenue and touring income as security.
Jay-Z, J. Cole, Michael Rubin, and Kim Foxx have sent letters supporting his release. So has Andrea Robinson, the mother of Saviay'a "Lul Pab" Robinson, who wrote that she had no objection if the court decides bond is appropriate.
Fitzgerald is scheduled to hear the bond request on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
