All articles tagged with #james mcdonald
The murder trial of Duane 'Keffe D' Davis for the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur has resumed in Las Vegas, revealing graphic autopsy photos and testimony from former gang member James McDonald. Prosecutors argue Davis orchestrated the drive-by shooting, while witnesses describe the volatile gang atmosphere and Shakur's final words.
On the second day of the murder trial for Duane 'Keffe D' Davis, witness James McDonald became combative, refusing to answer questions that could implicate the defendant. McDonald, a former Bloods gang member and Death Row Records associate, testified under subpoena but clashed with the defense attorney, declaring he would not 'send him to prison.' He confirmed he was in Las Vegas on the night of the 1996 shooting but denied witnessing the fatal drive-by. The trial also featured testimony from Reggie Wright Jr., former Death Row security head, who denied involvement in the killing, and the display of graphic autopsy photos of Tupac Shakur.
James McDonald will assume day-to-day leadership of the Manhattan SDNY starting July 14 while Jay Clayton remains the titleholder and focuses on his confirmation to become director of national intelligence; the transition moves ahead before Senate sign-off after Trump altered the timing of the DNI process.
Manhattan prosecutors welcomed James McDonald—an internal favorite with a track record at SDNY and links to the CFTC and Trump-era efforts—as the new head of the Southern District of New York, hoping his reputation for integrity would steady the office amid concerns it could be led by a political ally or an unqualified appointee; some colleagues praise his credentials while others note his ongoing representation of Trump raises questions about independence.
President Donald Trump named James McDonald, a former Manhattan prosecutor and close ally, the next U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, replacing Jay Clayton. McDonald’s nomination comes after months of speculation and comes with questions about whether he’ll be nominated by the Senate or installed as acting U.S. attorney. The move could relieve Manhattan prosecutors worried about an inexperienced Trump loyalist running the powerful office, and follows Clayton’s tenure that included cases like the Maduro drug-trafficking prosecution and various insider-trading prosecutions. McDonald previously worked at Sullivan & Cromwell and has been involved in Trump’s hush-money appeal.