The YNW Melly double murder trial continued into its third week with bombshell testimonies and critical evidence presented. The trial, which has captivated the nation, centers around the tragic deaths of aspiring rappers Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy) and Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser) in October 2018. Jamal Demons, known professionally as YNW Melly, stands accused of their murders. Here are the most impactful moments from the week’s proceedings.
Gang Affiliations and Cryptic Messages
The State, aiming to establish a motive, called upon gang expert Danny Polo. Polo, who had a $50,000 bounty on his head due to his work, was initially permitted to testify wearing a mask. However, after the defense revealed that Polo’s picture and family information were circulating online, the judge ordered him to remove the mask.
Polo’s testimony centered on text messages extracted from Melly’s phone, revealing the rapper’s alleged affiliation with the Bloods gang and his search for a firearm prior to the murders. One message, sent two weeks before the incident, simply read, “You know someone selling a Gizzy?” – “Gizzy” being a slang term for a Glock pistol.
Text message exchange about someone selling a "Gizzy" which is slang for a Glock.
Further messages presented by Polo indicated Melly’s growing involvement with the gang. One message suggested that Melly, due to his rising status, should consider gifting jewelry to the gang as a display of loyalty. This message implied a hierarchy within the gang and a system of dues or contributions.
Text message exchange indicating that YNW Melly was asked to give jewelry to other gang members as a sign of loyalty.
While the State attempted to portray these messages as concrete evidence of Melly’s gang ties and potential motive, the defense argued that Melly was largely unresponsive to these recruitment attempts, suggesting a lack of genuine commitment to the gang.
Chilling Autopsy Results
The courtroom fell silent as medical examiners, Dr. Rebecca McDougall and Dr. Adrien Sauer, detailed the victims’ injuries. Their testimonies painted a grim picture of the events that unfolded. Dr. McDougall, who conducted the autopsy on Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser), revealed that the fatal shot was a close-range gunshot to the back of the head.
Dr. Sauer’s testimony regarding Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy) was equally disturbing. He indicated that Thomas Jr. suffered a gunshot wound to the cheek, with the bullet ultimately lodging in the occipital region of his brain. The jury was also shown graphic images of a gunshot wound to Thomas Jr.’s left foot.
The nature of these injuries, particularly the close-range shot to Williams’ head, strongly suggested a personal and intentional act, adding weight to the State’s argument of premeditation.
Crime Scene Reconstruction and Conflicting Narratives
Sergeant Christopher Williams, a crime scene reconstruction expert, delivered a compelling testimony that contradicted the defense’s claim of a drive-by shooting. Based on his analysis of the bullet trajectories and the lack of blood circulation in the wounds, Sergeant Williams concluded that both victims were shot inside the SUV.
Photo of a black SUV that was allegedly driven by YNW Melly on the night of the murder.
He emphasized that the shots that killed Thomas Jr. and Williams could not have originated from outside the vehicle. The rapidity of the shots fired, according to Sergeant Williams, left no time for an assailant to switch positions or for the victims to react, further cementing his conclusion of an inside job.
The defense, however, attempted to challenge Sergeant Williams’ assessment, questioning the feasibility of determining the shooter’s position within the confined space of the SUV. They also raised concerns about the jury not having the opportunity to physically examine the vehicle.
Emotional Testimony and a Mother’s Anguish
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Leandra Phillips, Christopher Thomas Jr.’s mother, was called to the stand. The defense objected, fearing her testimony would be overly emotional and potentially prejudice the jury. However, the judge allowed her to testify for the limited purpose of identifying individuals present at a recording studio shortly before the murders.
Phillips identified her son, Melly, and others leaving the studio in a Jeep. Her voice trembled as she pointed to Melly in the courtroom, identifying him as the individual who left with her son that night. The prosecution then played surveillance footage showing the group leaving the studio, further solidifying the timeline leading up to the tragic event.
CCTV Footage of the group leaving the recording studio
Hundreds of Videos and a Phone’s Secrets
Adding another layer to the intricate case, the prosecution presented over 300 videos and photographs extracted from a phone alleged to belong to Melly. These visuals showed Melly holding the phone, taking selfies, and engaging in everyday activities.
This evidence aimed to refute the defense’s argument that Melly was not the sole user of the phone. The prosecution contended that the sheer volume of personal content featuring Melly solidified their claim that the phone was indeed his, and therefore, the incriminating messages and data extracted from it were admissible.
Co-Defendant’s Plea for Freedom Denied
The week concluded with a status hearing for Cortland Henry (YNW Bortlen), Melly’s co-defendant in the case. Henry, who is currently under house arrest, requested the court to modify his bail conditions to allow for travel for work purposes.
His attorneys argued that Henry had been compliant with his bail conditions and required more flexibility for his career. The State, however, objected, citing Henry’s prior issues with pre-trial release and concerns about the difficulty of supervising his travel across state lines.
Ultimately, Judge Murphy denied Henry’s request, stating that the current bail conditions would remain in effect. Henry’s trial is scheduled for October.
What’s Next?
The trial is set to resume after a break for the Fourth of July holiday. The prosecution is expected to continue presenting its case in the coming weeks, and the defense will have its opportunity to present its side of the story.
The YNW Melly double murder trial continues to be a complex and emotionally charged case. The outcome, which hinges on the jury’s interpretation of the evidence and testimonies presented, remains uncertain. As the trial progresses, the nation waits with bated breath for the verdict, hoping for justice for the victims and their families.
