As of Tuesday, November 30th, Jamell Demons (YNW Melly), who is set to stand trial for double homicide charges, will have to continue waiting for a court date. His attorneys have withdrawn previous requests for a speedy trial, and a court date has been set for March 7, 2022.
What’s Going on with Melly?
A March trial date may seem far, but Melly’s case has a much longer history.
YNW Melly has been in jail after his arrest for the murders of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Bortlen. Reportedly, Melly has awaited his trial for three years from jail.
The current legal saga began on Monday when Melly’s team filed a motion to the court requesting an expedited trial. Though they withdrew their proposal, just a day later, the court finally set a tentative March trial date.
In cases where a prisoner files a motion for a speedy trial, specifically in the state of Florida, the law requires the trial to start within 50 days of the filing. Therefore, given the filing, if the courts had honored Melly’s initial request, he would take the stand before February. However, as the filing was withdrawn, the 50-day rule doesn’t apply. Either way, the trial has been a long time coming, and passionate reactions from Melly’s allies Hotboii and YNW BSlime showed Melly still has supporters outside.
Things Get Real Bizarre
This news seems particularly odd given the swift withdrawal after the filing of the speedy trial request. With a trial date set, the puzzling question remains: why make the initial request? And why subsequently withdraw it so quickly?
Currently, no satisfying explanation exists. However, more may reveal itself as the trial draws closer.
Additional Details Regarding Melly’s Trial
With a trial finally on the visible horizon, Melly’s lawyer is currently working with the prosecution team to select an impartial jury. Additionally, requests have been made for the oral swabs of the rapper’s DNA and his measurements, for use in crime-scene reconstruction.
If things continue along this course, YNW Melly will face charges for two counts of first-degree murder in March.
Where Melly’s Case Begins
The case against Melly hinges on evidence indicating the young rapper had direct involvement in staging the murders of two of his colleagues. As a prior Billboard article reported:
“The investigation, supported by forensic evidence, concluded that Demons shot and killed Williams & Thomas Jr. and that Demons and Henry staged the crime scene to resemble a drive-by shooting.”
Oddly enough, both victims were not only Melly’s associates but reportedly his best friends. In a surprising turn of events, the young rapper, who was 19 at the time, later turned himself in, stating on Instagram,
I am turning myself in today. I want you guys to know I love you and appreciate every single one of y’all; a couple of months ago, I lost my two brothers by violence, and now the system wants to find justice. unfortunately, a lot of rumors and lies are being said, but no worries, god is with me and my brother @ynw.bortlen, and we want y’all to remember it’s a ynw Family I love you @ynwsakchaser1 and @ynwjuvy #freeus,
Melly has since removed the post.
What’s Next?
For now, Melly supporters will need to wait until next year to see the outcome of this continuing drama. No matter what happens, FMHipHop will be there to provide coverage.
Looking for more info on Melly’s initial arrest and case? Check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article.
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Written by Renae Richardson
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