Where Was Tupac Shot in Vegas? Exact Location Revealed 2026

Where was Tupac shot in Vegas remains one of the most searched questions about the legendary rapper’s tragic death.

On September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was fatally shot at the intersection of East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane in Las Vegas, Nevada, just blocks from the famous Las Vegas Strip.

The Exact Location Where Was Tupac Shot in Vegas

The precise location where Tupac was shot in Vegas is at the intersection of East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane in Paradise, Nevada. The shooting occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. PDT when Tupac’s vehicle stopped at a red light.

The exact address is 189 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109. This intersection sits less than a quarter-mile from the Las Vegas Strip, making it a busy crossroads that thousands of vehicles pass through daily.

What the Location Looks Like Today

Today, the intersection appears like any other busy Las Vegas crossroad. Four corners feature convenience stores and parking lots, with heavy traffic flowing constantly through the area.

A utility pole on the south side of Flamingo Road has become an unofficial memorial. Fans have covered the bottom six feet with graffiti, messages, and tributes to the fallen rapper.

The hotel that stood at the corner during the shooting was then called the Maxim Hotel. It’s now known as the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa.

Events Leading to the Shooting

Understanding where Tupac was shot in Vegas requires knowing what happened earlier that evening. The chain of events began at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The Mike Tyson Fight

Tupac attended the Mike Tyson vs. Bruce Seldon heavyweight boxing match with Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight. The fight ended quickly with Tyson knocking out Seldon.

After the match, Tupac and Knight’s entourage encountered Orlando Anderson in the MGM Grand lobby. Anderson was a member of the rival South Side Compton Crips gang.

The MGM Grand Altercation

Earlier in 1996, Anderson and other Crips members had allegedly attempted to rob Trevon “Tre” Lane at a Foot Locker store in Lakewood, California. Lane was a member of Knight’s entourage and the Mob Pirus gang.

When Lane spotted Anderson, he informed Tupac. The rapper confronted Anderson, asking if he was from the “South” (South Side Crips), then punched him in the face.

Tupac, Knight, and their associates assaulted Anderson on the MGM Grand casino floor. Hotel security cameras captured the entire incident, which later became crucial evidence.

Heading to Club 662

After the altercation, Tupac and his group left the MGM Grand. They were heading to Club 662, a nightclub owned by Suge Knight located at 1700 East Flamingo Road.

An after-party was planned at the club, and Tupac was scheduled to perform at midnight. The group traveled in a convoy of approximately 10 vehicles.

The Shooting Incident

The tragic moment where Tupac was shot in Vegas happened at the red light intersection. Tupac was riding in a black BMW 750 sedan driven by Suge Knight.

The White Cadillac

While stopped at the red light at Flamingo Road and Koval Lane, a white Cadillac pulled alongside the BMW on the passenger side. Four men were inside the Cadillac.

A gunman in the backseat opened fire on the BMW. Tupac was struck by four rounds fired from a .40-caliber Glock pistol.

The bullets hit Tupac in the chest, pelvis, right hand, and thigh. One bullet entered his lung, causing the most serious damage.

Suge Knight’s Response

Suge Knight was grazed by a bullet fragment in the head but was not seriously injured. After the shooting, Knight made a U-turn and drove back toward the Strip.

The BMW eventually stopped at the intersection of Harmon Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, just in front of where Planet Hollywood now stands. Emergency services were called from this location.

Medical Treatment and Death

Paramedics transported Tupac to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. He underwent emergency surgery and was placed in the intensive care unit.

Six Days in the Hospital

Tupac remained in critical condition for six days. Members of his group, the Outlawz, stood guard outside his hospital room, fearing someone might attempt to finish him off.

Doctors removed Tupac’s right lung in an attempt to save his life. Despite their efforts, he could not be stabilized.

September 13, 1996

On Friday afternoon, September 13, 1996, Tupac died of respiratory failure that led to cardiac arrest. His mother, Afeni Shakur, made the difficult decision to cease medical treatment.

Tupac Shakur was pronounced dead at exactly 4:03 p.m. He was only 25 years old at the time of his death.

The Investigation Into Where Tupac Was Shot

The investigation into where Tupac was shot in Vegas and who was responsible remained cold for decades. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department struggled to find witnesses willing to cooperate.

Early Investigation Challenges

Few witnesses came forward with information. Many people present that night refused to speak with police, following street codes of silence.

Orlando Anderson was identified as a prime suspect early in the investigation. However, he was only briefly interviewed once and denied involvement.

Anderson was never charged with Tupac’s murder. He was killed in an unrelated gang shooting in May 1998 in Compton, Los Angeles.

The Case Goes Cold

By 1997, Sergeant Kevin Manning, who headed the investigation, told reporters that Tupac’s murder “may never be solved.” The case hit a standstill with no new leads.

E.D.I. Mean, a member of the Outlawz who witnessed the shooting, stated he believed law enforcement knew what happened but chose not to pursue justice.

The 2023 Arrest: Major Breakthrough

Nearly 27 years after the shooting, authorities made the first arrest in Tupac’s murder case. On September 29, 2023, police arrested Duane “Keefe D” Davis.

Who Is Keefe D?

Duane “Keefe D” Davis is Orlando Anderson’s uncle and a former leader in the South Side Compton Crips gang. He was 60 years old at the time of his arrest.

Davis had publicly admitted to being in the white Cadillac during the shooting. He made these admissions in interviews, documentaries, and his 2019 memoir “Compton Street Legend.”

In a 2018 documentary called “Unsolved,” Davis claimed he was in the front passenger seat when the shots were fired. He stated Orlando Anderson and DeAndrae “Dre” Smith were in the backseat.

The Evidence Against Davis

Prosecutors built their case primarily on Davis’s own words. His book and numerous media interviews provided detailed accounts of the events that night.

In July 2023, Las Vegas police conducted a court-authorized search of Davis’s home in Henderson, Nevada. They seized computers, hard drives, photographs, and articles about Tupac.

Grand jury testimony revealed that DeAndrae Smith may have been the actual shooter, not Orlando Anderson as previously suspected. Davis was charged as the orchestrator who facilitated the crime.

Current Trial Status (2026 Update)

Duane “Keefe D” Davis was initially charged with first-degree murder on September 29, 2023. He pleaded not guilty on November 2, 2023.

The trial has been delayed multiple times. Originally scheduled for June 2024, it was postponed to November 2024, then February 2026.

As of January 2026, the trial is now scheduled to begin on August 10, 2026. Davis’s defense team requested more time to review “voluminous” evidence.

Davis was granted $750,000 bail and house arrest in January 2024. However, he has remained incarcerated at the Clark County Detention Center throughout the legal proceedings.

The Memorial at the Shooting Location

Fans wanting to visit where Tupac was shot in Vegas can find an unofficial memorial at the intersection. The site has become a pilgrimage destination for hip-hop fans worldwide.

The Utility Pole Memorial

A telephone utility pole stands on the southwest corner of the intersection. It’s located on the south side of Flamingo Road, just west of Koval Lane.

The bottom six feet of the pole are completely covered in graffiti tributes. Fans have written messages, drawn artwork, and left their marks honoring Tupac’s memory.

Some visitors leave offerings at the base of the pole. Items include flowers, candles, photographs, and personal mementos.

Visiting the Location

The memorial site is accessible at all times. It’s located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Las Vegas Strip, making it relatively easy to reach.

The intersection experiences heavy traffic, so visitors should exercise caution when crossing streets. Parking is available at nearby gas stations and shops.

Despite being the site of a famous murder, the area is generally safe. Thousands of people pass through daily without incident.

Calls for Official Memorial

There have been ongoing calls for Las Vegas to create an official Tupac memorial at the site. Advocates argue the city should honor the cultural significance of the location.

Currently, only the graffiti-covered utility pole serves as a marker. No official plaque or monument exists to commemorate the historic event.

Nearby Landmarks

Several notable Las Vegas landmarks sit near where Tupac was shot in Vegas. These locations help visitors orient themselves to the historic intersection.

Within Walking Distance

The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa (formerly the Maxim Hotel) stands at the corner. This was the hotel in front of which Tupac’s BMW was stopped.

The Platinum Hotel & Spa sits nearby, offering accommodations close to the Strip. Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Bally’s) is visible from the intersection.

The famous Sphere entertainment venue is within view. Multiple other hotels and casinos line the surrounding blocks.

The Route to Club 662

Club 662, Tupac’s intended destination, was located at 1700 East Flamingo Road. The club was owned by Suge Knight and was hosting an after-party.

The nightclub no longer exists at that location. The building has been repurposed for other businesses over the years.

Tupac never made it to the club. The shooting occurred while traveling eastbound on Flamingo Road, just blocks before reaching the destination.

Impact on Hip-Hop Culture

The location where Tupac was shot in Vegas became a symbol of the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry. His death intensified tensions in the music industry.

Cultural Legacy

Tupac’s murder shocked millions of fans worldwide. He was at the peak of his career, having just released the double album “All Eyez on Me” earlier that year.

The album sold more than nine million copies and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made. Tupac was also pursuing an acting career with promising roles.

His death came just six months before the murder of The Notorious B.I.G., escalating the East Coast-West Coast feud to tragic levels.

Posthumous Releases

Eight albums by Tupac have been released posthumously. He was known for recording three or more songs per day, leaving behind extensive unreleased material.

His estate continues to maintain his legacy through music releases, documentaries, and cultural projects. Tupac remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Conspiracy Theories

The mystery of where Tupac was shot in Vegas has spawned numerous conspiracy theories over the decades. Some claim Tupac faked his death and is still alive.

Common Theories

Some theorists believe Tupac staged the shooting to escape the pressures of fame. They point to alleged sightings in various countries.

Others claim record label executives orchestrated the murder. Theories suggest business conflicts and rivalry motivated the killing.

Some believe the murder was connected to corrupt police officers or government agencies. These theories lack credible evidence but persist online.

The Reality

Law enforcement and credible investigators reject these conspiracy theories. The evidence points to a gang-related retaliation for the MGM Grand altercation.

Tupac died at University Medical Center with his mother present. His autopsy and death certificate are official public records.

The 2023 arrest of Keefe D provides the strongest evidence yet that the shooting was a planned retaliation by Crips gang members.

Recent Developments (2025-2026)

The case saw significant developments in late 2024 and early 2025. Keefe D’s legal team filed motions to suppress evidence and dismiss charges.

Defense Arguments

Davis’s attorneys argue that evidence was obtained through an unlawful nighttime search in 2023. They claim the search warrant painted a misleading portrait of Davis.

The defense states Davis is a reformed 62-year-old cancer survivor who works as an oil refinery inspector. They argue he’s not the active gang member portrayed in warrant applications.

Attorneys also claim Davis’s confessions were “fiction” created for entertainment purposes. They argue his book and interviews cannot be considered reliable evidence.

Prosecution’s Case

Prosecutors maintain that Davis’s own words in multiple interviews and his published memoir incriminate him. They argue he orchestrated the drive-by shooting.

Under Nevada law, someone can be charged with murder if they help facilitate the crime, even if they didn’t pull the trigger. Davis is accused of being the “shot caller.”

The prosecution has presented Davis’s confession to a grand jury. They claim his statements are consistent and detailed enough to prove his involvement.

Additional Charges

In December 2024, Davis was involved in a jailhouse fight at the Clark County Detention Center. He was charged with battery by prisoner and challenges to fight.

Davis pleaded not guilty to these additional charges. He was sentenced in September 2025 to 16 to 40 months in prison for the jailhouse fight conviction.

He is currently serving this sentence at Nevada’s High Desert State Prison while awaiting his murder trial.

The Boxing Match Connection

Understanding where Tupac was shot in Vegas requires examining why he was in Las Vegas that night. The Mike Tyson fight was the primary reason for his visit.

Death Row Records Presence

Suge Knight brought a large entourage to support Mike Tyson. Death Row Records had close ties to Tyson and regularly attended his fights.

Tupac was one of Death Row’s biggest stars. His presence at major boxing events helped promote both the label and Tyson’s fights.

The boxing match at MGM Grand was a significant event. Tyson’s knockout victory in 109 seconds drew a large celebrity crowd.

The Fatal Decision

Had Tupac not attended the fight, the encounter with Orlando Anderson would not have occurred. The MGM Grand altercation directly led to the retaliatory shooting.

Security footage of the casino assault provided investigators with crucial evidence. It established motive and identified potential suspects.

This footage later became important in building the case against Keefe D and the South Side Crips.

Witness Accounts

Several people witnessed where Tupac was shot in Vegas that night. Their accounts varied, and many were reluctant to cooperate with investigators.

Yafeu Fula (Yaki Kadafi)

Yafeu Fula, known as Yaki Kadafi, was a member of Tupac’s group Outlawz. He was traveling in the car directly behind Tupac’s BMW.

Kadafi witnessed the shooting firsthand. He was considered a key witness who could potentially identify the shooters.

On November 10, 1996, just two months after Tupac’s death, Kadafi was shot and killed in New Jersey. The timing raised suspicions about witness intimidation.

E.D.I. Mean and Frank Alexander

E.D.I. Mean, another Outlawz member, and Frank Alexander, Tupac’s bodyguard, also witnessed the incident. They were traveling in the convoy.

Both men later stated they were never properly interviewed by Las Vegas police. They claimed investigators showed little interest in their testimony.

Mean told reporters he was certain law enforcement knew who was responsible. He expressed frustration with the lack of justice.

Suge Knight

Suge Knight was the only person in the BMW with Tupac. As the driver, he had the closest view of the shooting.

Knight has given various accounts over the years. He was grazed by a bullet but claimed he didn’t see the shooters clearly.

Knight is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for an unrelated manslaughter conviction from 2015. He continues to speak about that night in interviews.

The Last Photo

A famous photograph exists showing Tupac in the BMW just hours before the shooting. The image was taken at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and East Harmon Avenue.

Joshua Jefferson’s Photo

Photographer Joshua Jefferson snapped the iconic image while stopped at a traffic light. The photo shows Tupac wearing a green satin basketball jersey.

In the image, Tupac appears to be looking directly at the camera. Suge Knight is visible in the driver’s seat.

This became the last known photograph of Tupac alive. The image has been reproduced countless times in documentaries and articles.

The Bulletproof Vest

Tupac’s girlfriend, Kidada Jones, reportedly begged him to wear a bulletproof vest that night. She had concerns for his safety after the MGM Grand altercation.

Tupac refused because it was too warm in Las Vegas. He didn’t want to wear the bulky vest in the heat.

Many believe he would have survived the shooting if he had worn the vest. The chest wound was the most lethal of his injuries.

Police Response and Investigation Timeline

The initial police response to where Tupac was shot in Vegas was complicated by the chaotic scene and lack of cooperation.

September 7, 1996

At 11:15 p.m., the shooting occurred at Flamingo and Koval. Multiple 911 calls reported gunfire and a vehicle speeding from the scene.

Knight drove the bullet-riddled BMW to Harmon and Las Vegas Boulevard before stopping. Police and paramedics arrived at this secondary location.

Tupac was rushed to University Medical Center’s trauma unit. He underwent immediate surgery for life-threatening injuries.

The Initial Investigation

Police interviewed witnesses at the scene, but few provided useful information. Many people claimed they saw nothing or left before officers arrived.

Investigators recovered the BMW and documented bullet holes and blood evidence. No shell casings were found at the Flamingo and Koval intersection.

The white Cadillac was never recovered. Despite extensive searches, the vehicle seemingly disappeared without a trace.

1997-2023

The case remained cold for over two decades. Periodic media attention kept public interest alive, but no arrests were made.

In 2002, the Los Angeles Times published investigative articles naming suspects. In 2018, the “Unsolved” documentary series renewed interest.

Keefe D’s public confessions in 2018 and 2019 gave investigators new evidence. Las Vegas police re-engaged with the case seriously.

July 2023 Search

On July 17, 2023, police conducted a search warrant at Davis’s Henderson home. This marked the first major investigative action in years.

Items seized included computers, electronic devices, hard drives, and articles about Tupac. The evidence was presented to a grand jury.

On September 28, 2023, the grand jury indicted Davis for first-degree murder. He was arrested the following morning.

The Cultural Significance

The intersection where Tupac was shot in Vegas holds deep cultural significance beyond the tragedy. It represents a pivotal moment in music history.

Hip-Hop’s Darkest Period

The mid-1990s saw escalating violence in hip-hop culture. The East Coast-West Coast rivalry claimed multiple lives and divided the industry.

Tupac’s death marked a turning point. Many artists began calling for peace and unity after seeing where violence led.

The location serves as a reminder of the human cost of gang violence and rivalry. It’s become a place of reflection for fans.

Educational Value

Many visitors use the location to learn about Tupac’s life and message. His music addressed social issues, inequality, and violence.

The memorial encourages discussions about conflict resolution and the impact of gang culture. Teachers and youth leaders sometimes bring groups to the site.

Understanding where Tupac was shot in Vegas helps people appreciate the circumstances that led to his death and work toward preventing similar tragedies.

How to Visit the Location

For those interested in paying respects or understanding the history, visiting where Tupac was shot in Vegas is straightforward.

Getting There

From the Las Vegas Strip, the intersection is less than a quarter-mile east. It’s accessible by walking, rideshare, or taxi.

The address 189 E. Flamingo Road is easily found in GPS applications. Public buses also serve the area along Flamingo Road.

What to Expect

The intersection looks ordinary, with typical Las Vegas traffic and businesses. The utility pole memorial is on the south side of Flamingo Road.

Visitors can view the graffiti tributes and leave their own messages if desired. Some people bring markers to add to the memorial.

Photography is permitted. The site is public property with no restrictions on respectful visits.

Nearby Attractions

After visiting the memorial, fans can explore other Tupac-related sites in Las Vegas. The MGM Grand, where the altercation occurred, offers tours.

The University Medical Center is several miles away but can be visited to understand the full story. Many fans create a complete historical tour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Where was Tupac shot in Vegas is more than just a geographical question—it represents a pivotal moment in music history and American culture.

The intersection of East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane will forever be associated with the tragic loss of one of hip-hop’s greatest artists.

As the legal case against Duane “Keefe D” Davis proceeds toward trial in August 2026, the world may finally receive answers about what truly happened that fateful night.

The unofficial memorial at the shooting location continues to draw visitors who want to honor Tupac’s memory and reflect on his enduring legacy.