In February 2019, Florida rapper YNW Melly, born Jamell Demons at just 19 years old, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The allegations accused him of fatally shooting his fellow artists and close friends, YNW Sakchaser (Anthony Williams), 21, and YNW Juvy (Christopher Thomas Jr.), 19, on October 28, 2018.
After spending four years behind bars, the long-awaited trial finally commenced on June 12, 2023. However, the proceedings came to a surprising turn as the judge declared a mistrial in the double murder case against the rapper on Saturday, July 22. Despite 14 hours of deliberations, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
In the wake of the mistrial, the State of Florida now has a 90-day window to decide whether they will pursue a new trial against YNW Melly. Should the prosecution fail to take action within this timeframe, Melly’s defense team can request the court to dismiss the charges.
