The murder trial of rapper YNW Melly, whose legal name is Jamell Demons, ended in mistrial after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. The 12-member panel had been deliberating for three days in the South Florida court.
Prosecutors accused YNW Melly of murdering two of his friends, Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr., while they were all inside a Jeep five years ago. Williams and Thomas were part of the YNW collective, known as YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, respectively.
Prosecutors alleged the shooting was part of a gang action. However, the defense argued that this claim lacks credibility, as Demons and the victims were close friends.
According to the prosecution, after a recording session in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 26, 2018, Demons, Williams, and Thomas were in a Jeep driven by Cortland Henry, also known as YNW Bortlen. Prosecutors believe Demons fatally shot Williams and Thomas, and Henry, who is charged as an accomplice, will be tried separately.
Prosecutors also allege that after killing Williams and Thomas, Demons and Henry drove their bodies near the Everglades and shot at the back and passenger sides of Henry’s Jeep to make it look like a drive-by shooting.
The defense focused on the fact that the gun was never recovered and argued that YNW Melly had no apparent motive for the crime. Given the mistrial, Broward County prosecutors will likely choose to retry the case with a new jury.