Fort Lauderdale, FL – YNW Melly is currently behind bars at Florida’s Broward County Jail on first-degree murder charges. But according to a recent Instagram post from his official account, the 20-year-old rapper recently tested positive for COVID-19 and wants out of prison immediately.
“Melly has tested positive for COVID-19 today while awaiting his trial in Broward County Jail,” the caption read. “He’ll be filing a motion for restricted release in hopes of better care due to any jails not being prepared to treat this new virus. He hopes for your support and to recover soon #prayformelly send positive energy to him please.”
Melly’s account also featured a screenshot of a Law.com article about two Broward County Jail inmates who allegedly tested positive for the deadly disease this week. The Broward Sheriff’s Office reportedly confirmed the infections on Thursday (April 2), explaining one of the inmates “showed no signs of the disease after arrest and screening in March.”
Broward State Attorney’s Office spokesperson Paula McMahon said,“We have been very concerned about the potential for this to occur and that is why we have been working with the courts and the criminal defense bar to release non-violent offenders.”
YNW Melly Doesn’t Think Double Murder Charge Will Stick
Earlier this week, Melly’s mother Jamie Demons-King said Melly’s release was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s unclear whether his request will be approved considering he’s classified as a violent offender.
Melly and his co-defendant YNW Bortlen stand accused of killing two of his friends — Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. — in October 2018. Melly, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, faces the death penalty if convicted.