Broward County, FL – YNW Melly’s double murder trial has reportedly been rescheduled. According to TCPalm, the 21-year-old rapper is expected to appear for a status hearing on January 28, 2021, possibly by Zoom. During the hearing, prosecutors and attorneys will discuss the progress of Melly’s double homicide capital murder case.
Despite a #FreeMelly initiative online and the COVID-19 pandemic, Melly will remain locked up at Broward County Jail.
Broward State Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Paula McMahon explained via email, “COVID-19 is affecting practically all cases in our jurisdiction. Every case has unique facts and circumstances, but homicide cases routinely take more than a couple of years.”
Melly stands accused of killing his former YNW crewmates Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser) and Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy) in 2018. He was arrested for the double homicide in February 2019 but has maintained his innocence.
(2/2) Demons shot and killed Williams & Thomas Jr. and that Demons and Henry staged the crime scene to resemble a drive-by shooting. pic.twitter.com/EukFxD4OEq
— Miramar Police (@MiramarPD) February 14, 2019
The evidence in the case doesn’t bode well for the Gifford, Florida native. Shortly after Melly’s arrest, it was reported he and his friend Cortlen Henry drove around with Williams and Thomas’ dead bodies in the car as they tried to concoct a plausible story to explain their deaths. Henry ultimately took the two deceased victims to the emergency room in the early morning hours of October 26, 2018 and told medical staff they’d been shot in a drive-by.
However, as police investigated Henry’s story, they discovered forensic evidence suggesting Henry’s account was fabricated. Officers discovered a shell casing inside Henry’s vehicle and eight more at another location where police think Melly and Henry shot up the car to stage a drive-by.
Police determined the first shot came from inside the car and originated from the left rear passenger side of the car where Melly was sitting. Surveillance footage from the recording studio confirms Melly got into the back left seat.
If convicted of Williams and Thomas’ murders, Melly faces the death penalty.