YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, is an American rapper from Florida who burst onto the rap scene in 2017 with his hit song “Murder on My Mind.” However, in 2019, Melly was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the 2018 shooting deaths of two of his close friends and fellow YNW crew members.
Melly pleaded not guilty and his case is still ongoing as of September 2023. He remains in jail awaiting trial. Melly’s arrest and murder charges were a shock to fans and ignited intense speculation about whether he actually committed the murders he rapped about in his songs.
Here is an in-depth look at the case against Melly, his current legal situation, and the question on everyone’s mind: is YNW Melly out of prison?
Background on the Murders and Arrest
On October 26, 2018, two aspiring rappers and members of YNW Melly’s collective, Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser) and Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy), were shot and killed in Miramar, Florida.
In February 2019, Melly was arrested along with YNW Bortlen (Cortlen Henry) and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Police allege that Melly shot and killed Williams and Thomas and that he and Bortlen staged the crime scene to make it appear as a drive-by shooting.
Evidence against Melly includes shell casings, cell phone pings, and most damning, an audio recording of Melly in jail allegedly confessing to the murders.
The victims were also longtime friends of Melly’s, leading to speculation that the murders were premeditated and motivated by jealousy and internal disputes within the YNW collective.
Is YNW Melly Out of Prison?
No, as of September 2023, YNW Melly remains in Broward County Jail awaiting trial for the double murder charges.
Melly has entered a not guilty plea and has not been released on bail. He faces life in prison or potentially the death penalty if convicted.
YNW Melly’s Trial and Legal Process
Melly’s trial has been delayed several times, which has kept the rapper behind bars since his arrest in February 2019.
Here is a timeline of Melly’s case and trial schedule:
- February 2019 – Melly arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder
- April 2019 – Pleads not guilty, trial originally set for July 2019
- May 2019 – Trial delayed to October 2019
- October 2019 – Trial delayed again to March 2020
- March 2020 – Trial postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
- January 2022 – Reports emerge of plea deal talks breaking down
- August 2022 – Trial rescheduled for September 2023
As of now, Melly’s double murder trial is scheduled to begin on September 18, 2023. Jury selection will take place in the weeks prior.
The continuous delays have been frustrating for the victims’ families seeking justice. Melly’s defense team has cited needing more time to prepare evidence and their case.
Why Hasn’t YNW Melly Been Released on Bail?
Despite his lengthy pre-trial incarceration, Melly has been denied release on bail by the judge. The main reasons include:
- The serious nature of the double murder charges
- Alleged evidence tying Melly directly to the murders
- Potential public safety concerns and flight risk if released
The judge determined the violent charges and gravity of the case warranted keeping Melly behind bars pre-trial. Typically bail is not offered in first-degree murder cases.
Melly’s Life in Jail and Reaction
By all accounts, Melly has struggled with being in jail for over two years awaiting trial. Being confined has taken a toll mentally and physically on the young rapper.
In early 2022, Melly went on hunger strike for 2 weeks and accused the jail of mistreating him. He lost significant weight and was reportedly put on suicide watch.
Melly has maintained his innocence and expressed frustration with the trial delays. On Instagram in May 2022 he wrote: ““How can I prepare for trial when I can’t even see the the evidence against me? They’re trying to kill me in here.”
Despite being in jail, Melly has released new music and tributes to his fallen friends Williams and Thomas. But until his trial date, no music or posts can prove if Melly will ever be a free man again.
Conviction Quotes
If convicted of double murder at trial, Melly is facing either life in prison or potentially the death penalty.
Here are some potential conviction quotes if he is found guilty:
- “This sentence ensures that Mr. Demons will pay for the vicious and cold-blooded murder of two young men.”
- “While the rap persona of YNW Melly became famous, the man Jamell Demons will now spend the rest of his days behind bars.”
- “Nothing will ever bring back the victims, but hopefully this brings some closure and justice for the families.”
- “Melly’s hubris and ego made him feel untouchable, but no amount of fame or success allowed him to escape justice.”
- “The jury sent a strong message today that no one is above the law – identity or reputation does not determine one’s fate when vicious crimes are committed.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common FAQs relating to YNW Melly’s case and current incarceration:
What were YNW Melly’s charges?
YNW Melly was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the 2018 shooting deaths of Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr.
Why did Melly allegedly kill his friends?
The motive is not 100% clear, but reports suggest the victims were killed over internal disputes regarding money, jealousy, and Melly’s growing fame.
When will Melly go to trial?
As of 2023, Melly’s double murder trial is scheduled to begin on September 18 after numerous delays since his 2019 arrest.
What evidence do police have against Melly?
Evidence includes cell phone pings tying Melly & YNW Bortlen to the shooting location, shell casings matching Melly’s gun, and an alleged jailhouse confession audio recording.
Is Melly allowed to release music in jail?
Yes, despite being incarcerated awaiting trial, Melly has released some new music and tributes to the victims through his production team. But no new music can exonerate him from the criminal charges.
What happens if Melly is found not guilty?
If acquitted of all charges, Melly would be released from jail immediately after over 2 years behind bars. However, this scenario seems unlikely based on the evidence.
Could Melly face the death penalty?
Yes, capital punishment is a sentencing option if the jury convicts Melly of first-degree murder. The prosecution will request this outcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, YNW Melly remains incarcerated since his arrest in February 2019 on double murder charges related to the shooting deaths of his two close friends.
Despite Melly’s pleas of innocence and delays to trial, the evidence strongly points to his involvement in the premeditated murders. As of September 2023, Melly’s trial is finally slated to begin on September 18, during which more details should emerge on the tragic killings of Williams and Thomas.
While Melly’s devoted fans still cling to hope of his release and return to music, the reality is that Melly will likely spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted. The long road to justice has been painful for the victims’ families, but they may soon find closure. For now, Melly remains cut off from the fame and stardom his controversial hits generated. The next chapter of his legal saga will unfold this fall.