LOS ANGELES (WLS) — Chicago rapper Lil Durk pleaded not guilty Thursday to murder-for-hire charges.

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The rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks, appeared in federal court in Los Angeles for his arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say the rapper paid five people to kill Quando Rondo at a Los Angeles gas station in 2022. Rondo was not killed, but his cousin was.

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Banks was arrested in Miami three weeks ago while reportedly trying to leave the country.

Lil Durk’s run is scheduled for January 7, 2025 in Los Angeles.

Additional preliminary hearings will be held in November and December, officials said.