Prosecutors Drop YNW Melly Tampering Charges Pre-Florida Trial
In a significant development, Florida prosecutors have formally dropped witness tampering charges against rapper YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons. This decision comes just one day before jury selection was scheduled for his double murder retrial.
Details on Charges Dropped Against YNW Melly
The Broward County State Attorney’s office dismissed all four charges against Demons, including:
- Witness tampering
- Directing the activities of a criminal gang
- Criminal solicitation to commit murder
- Conspiracy to tamper with a witness in a capital case
These allegations revolved around claims that Demons attempted to discourage a witness from testifying during his 2023 double murder trial, which ended in a hung jury.
Upcoming Double Murder Retrial
Demons’ retrial for the double murder is now slated for January 2027. In 2023, he faced two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his friends Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr.
The incident occurred on October 26, 2018. Prosecutors argue that Demons, along with Cortlen Henry, conspired to create a false narrative by staging a drive-by shooting, making it appear as though they were also victims.
Legal Team’s Reaction
Demons’ legal representatives expressed relief following the dismissal of the charges. They stated, “As his newly retained legal team, it became immediately apparent to us that no crimes had occurred.” They emphasized that Demons had endured 652 days of uncertainty due to these charges.
The lawyers further remarked that they are eager for Demons to be released from custody to better prepare for his upcoming trial.
Cortlen Henry’s Plea Deal
Cortlen Henry, who was involved in the case, accepted a plea deal in September. He was subsequently sentenced to 10 years for witness tampering and being an accessory after the fact.
Delays in the Murder Case
Originally, the retrial was scheduled for October 2023, but it was postponed multiple times due to evidence-related issues. This upcoming trial will occur nearly eight years after Demons’ initial arrest.
Throughout this period, Judge Martin S. Fein stressed the need for timely court proceedings. He previously remarked on the prolonged custody duration faced by Demons due to the absence of available state attorneys to proceed with the trial.
As the case progresses towards its new trial date, it remains a focal point in the ongoing discourse around legal proceedings in high-profile criminal cases.
