Jury selection has begun in the murder trial against rapper YNW Melly. Born as Jamell Maurice Demons, he was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in February 2019. Melly and YNW Bortlen are alleged to have gunned down crew members Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr.
Prosecutors were initially asking for the death penalty but that is no longer on the table.
Last week, a judge ruled in favor of the state after they filed a motion that would allow a death sentence if a jury voted 8-4 in favor of the death penalty.
Months back, Melly’s attorneys filed a motion that stated that “if the prosecutor intends to seek the death penalty, the prosecutor must give notice to the Defendant of that intent to seek the death penalty. This notice must be filed with the Court within 45 days of the arraignment.”
Opening statements for the trial are expected to begin by mid-June.