Federal authorities have charged five men from Chicago in connection with a murder-for-hire plot aimed at killing rapper Quando Rondo in Los Angeles. This indictment is linked to an alleged attempt to avenge the 2020 murder of rapper King Von, marking a troubling escalation in gang-related violence within the hip-hop community.
The indictment, recently unsealed in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, names the following individuals:
- Kavon London Grant
- Deandre Dontrell Wilson
- Keith Jones
- David Brian Lindsey
- Asa Houston
These men face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, committing murder-for-hire resulting in death, and the use of a machine gun in a violent crime leading to death. The serious nature of these allegations highlights the ongoing issues of violence and rivalry that plague the music industry.
The charges allege that the five men, who are reportedly affiliated with the hip-hop collective Only the Family (OTF) founded by rapper Lil Durk, were contracted to kill Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Terrel Bowman. The motive behind this plot is rooted in the belief that Rondo was involved in the shooting death of King Von, whose real name was Dayvon Bennett, in Atlanta in 2020.
In August 2022, Rondo and his entourage were the targets of a shooting at a gas station in Los Angeles. While Rondo escaped unharmed, his cousin Saviay’a Robinson was tragically killed. The indictment suggests that the logistics for the hitmen, including flights and rental cars, were financed with a credit card associated with OTF.
The conflict between these groups is emblematic of the wider gang rivalries within the hip-hop scene, particularly between artists from Chicago and those linked to the Atlanta rap community. King Von’s death has been a pivotal moment that intensified these tensions, leading to retaliatory actions such as the one involving Quando Rondo.
King Von‘s influence in the Chicago rap scene and his notorious reputation for involvement in street violence have made him a key figure in these ongoing conflicts. His legacy continues to shape the dynamics between rival factions, perpetuating cycles of revenge and conflict. The motive behind the planned hit on Rondo is a direct reflection of the animosity following Von’s death, particularly since Rondo was present during the incident that led to it.
The five suspects now face serious federal charges, which will lead to a legal process that could vary in duration based on plea negotiations, pre-trial motions, and the complexity of the case.
As the indictment has been unsealed, legal proceedings are underway, although specific trial dates or additional court details have not been disclosed yet. These suspects will likely be represented by legal counsel as they navigate this serious judicial landscape.
The recent charges against these individuals highlight the persistent and dangerous intersection of gang violence and the hip-hop industry. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how deeply entrenched rivalries can lead to tragic outcomes, and the ongoing impact of artists’ legacies on their communities.
