In a high-profile case with deep ties to the music industry, five Chicago men are now facing federal charges in Los Angeles, accused of attempting to kill rapper Quando Rondo in an alleged murder-for-hire plot to avenge the 2020 death of rapper King Von. The indictment, recently unsealed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, accuses the men of orchestrating a targeted attack against Rondo, which reportedly left a family member dead.
This latest development has reignited discussions about violence in the drill rap scene, where unresolved feuds often escalate beyond lyrics.
Federal Charges Filed Against Five Chicago Men
The individuals charged are Asa Houston, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, and Kavon London Grant. According to the indictment, these defendants are charged with:
- Conspiracy to carry out a murder-for-hire
- Executing a murder-for-hire resulting in a fatality
- Use of a machine gun in a violent offense
The charges carry severe penalties, with some even leading to the death penalty upon conviction. Prosecutors assert that the defendants were contracted to carry out the killing of Quando Rondo as retaliation for his alleged involvement in King Von’s death, orchestrating an elaborate plan involving travel, rented vehicles, and surveillance.
Alleged Ties to “Only the Family” and Drill Music’s Dark Side
The indictment alleges that all five men are linked to the Chicago hip-hop group “Only the Family” (OTF), founded by rapper Lil Durk, a close associate of King Von.
Drill music, the genre associated with these artists, originated in Chicago and often involves lyrics detailing street violence and gang conflicts, mirroring the real-life experiences of many of its artists.
The indictment alleges that two of the defendants are also affiliated with Chicago street gangs, further complicating the case and raising questions about how the lines between music and reality blur within drill rap culture.
King Von’s Death and the Alleged Motivation to Target Quando Rondo
King Von, born Dayvon Bennett, was a rising star in Chicago’s drill music scene before his tragic death in 2020. He was killed in a shooting outside an Atlanta hookah lounge after a fight, sparking immediate tension among his friends, fans, and the larger music community.
The indictment states that after Von’s death, an unnamed associate from OTF allegedly offered significant financial rewards, including “lucrative music opportunities,” to anyone willing to kill Quando Rondo.
Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Terrel Bowman, was believed by OTF associates to be connected to Von’s murder, leading the five defendants to travel to Los Angeles in August 2022 with the intent of targeting him.
The indictment outlines a plan to locate Rondo, detailing how the men allegedly tailed his vehicle throughout Los Angeles, ultimately executing a violent ambush in West Hollywood.
The Fatal West Hollywood Ambush in August 2022
Court documents detail an August 2022 incident where Rondo, along with his sister and cousin Saviay’a Robinson, 24, was ambushed while riding in a black Cadillac Escalade. Gunmen reportedly opened fire in West Hollywood gas station.
While Rondo and his sister were unharmed, Robinson was hit multiple times and killed, underscoring the tragic fallout of the alleged scheme.
The indictment alleges that Kavon Grant, one of the defendants, rented hotel rooms and secured firearms, including one weapon modified to function as a fully automatic machine gun, in preparation for the attack.
Grant also reportedly arranged rental vehicles, specifically a white BMW sedan and a white Infiniti, to follow Bowman’s Escalade throughout the city. Surveillance footage, prosecutors say, shows these vehicles tailing Rondo’s car, tracking his movements to execute the attack.
Coordinated Surveillance and Execution of the Shooting
After tracking Bowman across various Los Angeles locations, the defendants reportedly executed their plan when Bowman stopped at a gas station.
According to court documents, surveillance footage captures three men, including two of the defendants, exiting their vehicle, brandishing firearms, and firing at Bowman’s Escalade. Robinson, who was outside the vehicle, was fatally shot.
After the shooting, the defendants reportedly gathered at a nearby hamburger restaurant in Los Angeles County to discuss payment, according to the indictment. Authorities claim that, shortly after the ambush, four of the accused—Wilson, Jones, Lindsey, and Houston—boarded flights from San Diego back to Chicago, completing what prosecutors have described as a calculated and coordinated plot.
Drill Music Culture and Gang Violence in Chicago
The case brings renewed attention to Chicago’s drill music culture, which, while gaining international popularity, remains mired in controversy.
Known for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of life in Chicago’s most violent neighborhoods, drill music has been associated with real-world feuds that often escalate beyond lyrics.
Only the Family (OTF) has grown in influence as a label and a collective within drill music, spearheaded by Lil Durk and fellow drill artists like Chief Keef and G Herbo.
However, the genre’s darker side is increasingly highlighted by high-profile tragedies. Alongside King Von, Chicago drill rapper FBG Duck was shot and killed in a bold daytime attack on Oak Street in 2020.
Earlier this month, FBG Duck’s mother filed a lawsuit alleging that Lil Durk, King Von, and OTF were involved in her son’s death, asserting that OTF functions as a criminal organization.
Legal Implications and the Impact of Drill Music on Violence
This federal case not only raises questions about the defendants’ actions but also places further scrutiny on the drill music industry’s potential role in perpetuating violence.
The allegations of murder-for-hire and gang ties among members of the OTF collective draw attention to the intersection of music, crime, and culture, intensifying the debate over whether drill music lyrics and affiliations are influencing violence in real life.
Experts suggest that while drill music has provided a platform for artists to share their experiences, it may also contribute to cycles of violence, as real-life conflicts are referenced in music, videos, and social media.
Ongoing legal battles and federal cases, like this indictment, are increasingly drawing attention to these ties and may influence how authorities handle music-related conflicts in the future.
High-Profile Trial Ahead as Defendants Await Transfer to Los Angeles
The five defendants remain in federal custody following their appearance at Chicago’s Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert ordered them held without bond, citing the severity of the charges, which include potential life sentences and even the death penalty.
The trial will now shift to Los Angeles, where proceedings are expected to draw widespread media coverage due to the high-profile nature of the case and its links to prominent figures in hip-hop.
As the defendants await transfer, legal analysts anticipate a high-stakes trial that will further explore the role of music and gang affiliations in modern crime.
The case, while tragic, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in unresolved feuds within drill music culture, with lives and careers continually impacted by the violence associated with the genre.
In the end, this case underscores the enduring challenges of balancing artistic expression with public safety, especially as music increasingly influences behavior beyond the studio and the stage.
The unfolding events are likely to reshape perspectives on drill music and the complex web of conflicts that surround it, providing a cautionary tale for the genre and its fans.
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