Stay updated in the trial against rapper YNW Melly — whose birth name is Jamell Demons. The up-and-coming star is accused of killing two of his friends — also rappers — then attempting to stage the murders as a drive-by shooting in the Miami area. Jurors heard opening statements Monday and the state called four witnesses to testify. Follow our behind-the-scenes live coverage with our correspondent Bryson Paul and our live blog below for the latest developments from Broward County. Court resumes Tuesday just after 9 a.m.
The Case:
In October 2018, YNW Melly’s best friend, Cortlen Henry, aka YNW Bortlen, showed up to a Miami area hospital claiming his friends were hit during a drive-by shooting. He said they were bleeding out inside his car, according to the rapper’s arrest affidavit.
First responders and investigators found Anthony Williams, aka YNW Sakchaser, and Christopher Thomas, aka YNW Juvy, with multiple gunshot wounds. Both were dead. Henry told detectives he had just left a recording studio with Williams and Thomas in Fort Lauderdale when a car pulled up and started shooting, police say. Henry said he was able to duck from the bullets, but Williams and Thomas were hit.
Anthony Williams (left), Christopher Thomas (right)
When officers showed up to the “scene of the crime,” police found no evidence that there had been a shooting, detectives confirmed. As officers continued to investigate, surveillance video showed Melly, Henry, Williams and Thomas together in Henry’s car when Henry claimed the shooting happened, according to Melly’s arrest report. After looking at phone data and blood spatter evidence, detectives said it was clear the group were together the night of the crime and the victims had been shot in the car, not shot at.
Police arrested Melly for two counts of first-degree murder in February 2019.
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