FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Rapper YNW Melly was in court Monday at which time a number of motions were filed in preparation for his re-trial on double murder charges.
The hearing in Fort Lauderdale lasted only about an hour or so.
Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, watched as state prosecutors and the defense went over a number of motions filed to see what will be admissible for Demons’ re-trial.
Demons in accused of murdering Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams -- both childhood friends -- back in October 2018 after a late-night recording session and then allegedly made it look like a drive-by shooting.
Melly’s co-defendant, Cortland “Bortland” Henry, is accused of driving the Jeep Compass where the duo were killed in and helping to cover up the murders.
Melly’s first trial ended in a mistrial in 2023 after the 12-member panel could not reach a unanimous verdict after three days of deliberations.
The trial consisted of many twist and turns that included allegations of witness tampering, passing messages in jail and alleged plans to escape.
All issues were brought before the judge Monday to see what would be permitted to use in his new trial.
Demons faces a number of charges that include two counts of premeditated first-degree murder and witness tampering.
He is expected back in court Monday, Jan. 12, at 8:45 a.m., where the judge will hear additional motions.
Demons’ trial in the witness tampering case is scheduled to begin Jan. 21 and his re-trial in the double homicide case is scheduled for January 2027.
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