Florida prosecutors have dropped witness tampering charges against rapper YNW Melly, whose retrial for double murder is scheduled for January 2027. This unexpected decision emerged just a day before jury selection was set to commence.
Details of the Dropped Charges
All four charges against YNW Melly, 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 involved claims that the rapper tried to dissuade a witness from testifying during his 2023 trial, which ended with a hung jury.
Background on the Murder Case
YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, previously stood trial in 2023 on two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors allege that Demons shot his close friends, Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr., on October 26, 2018. Following the incident, he purportedly collaborated with accomplice Cortlen Henry to stage a drive-by shooting to fabricate a narrative that they were also victims.
If convicted, Demons could have faced a potential death penalty. His legal team has expressed relief over the charges being dropped, stating, “It became immediately apparent to us that no crimes had occurred.” They criticized the state for maintaining the charges for 652 days.
Current Status and Next Steps
Demons’ lawyers are now focusing on securing his release from custody. They believe that his release is crucial for a proper defense as they prepare for the upcoming retrial. Meanwhile, Henry, who was involved in the case, accepted a plea deal in September, receiving a sentence of ten years in prison for witness tampering and related charges.
Timeline of the Case
The scheduled retrial in January 2027 marks nearly eight years since the rapper’s initial arrest. Previous trial dates, originally set for October 2023 and then September 2025, faced delays due to unresolved evidence issues.
Judge Martin S. Fein highlighted the lengthy custody period, stating, “Mr. Demons has now been in custody for 2,202 days.” The court and legal teams now look ahead to the retrial, marking a new chapter in this complex case.
