Judge denies mistrial in YNW Melly murder trial

Broward County Circuit Judge John Murphy denied a motion by YNW Melly’s defense team for a mistrial in the ongoing double murder case faced by the Florida rapper, Local10 News reports. Melly and co-defendant Cortlen “YNW Bortlen” Henry are accused of murdering Anthony D’Andre Williams a.k.a. YNW Sakchaser and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr.

Defense attorneys for the Melly (born Jamell Maurice Demons) argued last week that the prosecution had unduly influenced jury members. A witness named Felicia Holmes was called by the prosecution to read statements made outside of the court, defying a ruling not to do so.

“This jury sat there and watched this fiasco unfold with at least 10, maybe 15 sidebars, after every two questions,” said David Howard, an attorney for Melly, claiming that the testimony had “tainted” the jury. The judge denied the defense’s motion and put a hold on further witness testimony over a juror’s ongoing hospitalization for dehydration.

Melly and YNW Bortlen are accused of murdering the victims on October 26 in South Florida and staging the crime scene to look like a drive-by shooting. Melly has pleaded not guilty and could face the death penalty under Florida law if convicted.