YNW Melly’s double-murder retrial has been delayed yet again, extending a legal battle that has already stretched on for years.
The 26-year-old rapper, born Jamell Demons, was set to face a jury in September, but the Fourth District Court of Appeals granted a request from prosecutors to postpone the case.
The new trial date is now scheduled for January 2027, per The Gazette.
Keep reading to find out more…
He has been behind bars for more than six-and-a-half years awaiting trial for the October 2018 murders of his childhood friends Anthony Williams (known as YNW Sakchaser) and Christopher Thomas Jr. (known as YNW Juvy). Prosecutors allege the killings were staged to look like a drive-by shooting.
“We’re disappointed that today’s hearing was yet another win for the State of Florida, allowing more time to subject my client to inhumane treatment,” Melly’s attorney, Raven Liberty, said.
“Every American should be concerned about this abuse of the justice system and basic Constitutional rights at the hands of Broward State’s Attorney Harold Pryor and his team of prosecutors.”
Melly’s first trial ended in a hung jury in July 2023. His legal team has repeatedly requested bond, but judges have denied each attempt, meaning he could spend eight years in jail without a conviction if the January 2027 trial date holds.
The attorney also claimed that most of Melly’s time has been spent in “solitary confinement in conditions worse than death row.”
A major reason for the delays is a dispute over digital evidence from Melly’s cellphone, email accounts, and social media. A court hearing on the evidence issue is set for September 16.
He previously claimed to be dying in prison due to the coronavirus.
