Police booking photo of Jamell Demons a.k.a. YNW Melly. February 13, 2019.
Broward's Sheriff's Office via Getty Images
Today, June 12, YNW Melly appeared in Florida court for the first day of his trial in the double murder of two friends, which he was arrested for in 2019. That same year, Melly — born Jamell Maurice Demons — pleaded not guilty. If found guilty of first-degree murder, Demons may face the death penalty. His co-defendant is Cortlen "YNW Bortlen" Henry.
Prosecutors have presented the case as follows: YNW Melly shot and killed Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams on October 26 in South Florida. They allege Melly then staged the crime scene to look like a drive-by shooting, but that blood splatter evidence and a bullet casing found inside the vehicle point to the victims having been shot dead from within the car. Surveillance video places both Melly and Bortlen in the car with the victims on the night of the shooting.
Thus far, the state has called up witnesses, including police and hospital workers, to establish a timeline for the night of the shootings.
