YNW Melly’s retrial for double murder has been postponed until early 2027, further extending the Florida rapper’s years-long legal battle. The 4th District Court of Appeals issued the delay on Friday (Aug. 8), halting plans for the trial to begin next month.
The court’s decision allows more time to review a motion from the state attorney’s office about what evidence can be presented in court. Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, has been in jail since early 2019.
The “Murder on My Mind” rapper first faced trial in 2023, but it ended in a mistrial. The state’s second attempt has faced multiple setbacks, including an investigation involving one of Melly’s attorneys and disputes over key evidence.
Prosecutors allege Melly and fellow crew member YNW Bortlen killed Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams in October 2018, staging the scene to look like a drive-by shooting. Bortlen drove the victims to a hospital in Miramar, Florida, claiming they had been attacked.
Within months, both men became suspects. Melly surrendered in February 2019 and has remained in custody since. He also faces civil lawsuits from the families of the victims.
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