Rapper YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, will face a retrial on September 10, 2025. This decision was made by Judge Martin Fein in Broward County, Florida. Melly is charged with the 2018 murders of his two close friends, Christopher Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams.
The case has faced several delays. The most recent was a mistrial in 2023 after a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Melly has been in jail since 2019 and is now asking the court to let him wait for the retrial outside of jail.
Mistrial in 2023 led to new trial date
The first trial ended in 2023 without a verdict. Jurors could not agree if Melly was guilty or not. This mistrial meant the court had to schedule a new trial.
The mistrial caused disappointment for both sides. Prosecutors wanted justice for the two victims. Melly’s legal team hoped for a not guilty verdict. But because the jury did not agree, a new trial became necessary.
Reasons behind long delays
There have been many delays in this case. Some of the main reasons include legal fights over phone records and GPS data. Both sides also filed many motions. The defense team changed lawyers at different points. All these factors caused the case to move slowly.
Court officials have said they want to be careful with the process. They believe it is important to give both sides a fair chance.
Melly’s legal team wants him out of jail before trial
On May 6, 2025, Melly’s lawyers asked the court to release him on bond. They say the long delay is unfair. They also argue he should be allowed to live under strict rules while he waits for the new trial.
The judge has not yet made a decision on this request. A ruling is expected soon. If approved, Melly could be placed on house arrest or under monitoring.
Melly has been in jail for more than six years without a final verdict. His legal team believes this is a reason to grant him temporary freedom.
Prosecutors say Melly staged the crime scene
The state says that Melly shot his two friends in a car. They believe he planned the murder and tried to make it look like a drive-by shooting.
Prosecutors used ballistics tests and phone records to support their claims. They say Melly and his friend, Cortlen Henry (known as YNW Bortlen), worked together to cover up the crime.
The defense team disagrees. They say the evidence is not strong. They also say police did not look into other possible suspects.
Case draws attention from fans and media
This case has become one of the most watched legal stories in the music world. Fans often post support for Melly on social media. Some believe he is innocent. Others want justice for the two men who were killed.
Melly’s music has also remained popular during his time in jail. His song “Murder on My Mind” drew attention after his arrest, even though it was released before the killings. He has released other songs from jail since then.
What to expect from the new trial
The retrial is expected to begin on September 10, 2025. The trial could last for several weeks. Both sides will present new evidence and bring in witnesses.
Legal experts say the retrial is a key moment. If Melly is found guilty, he could face life in prison or the death penalty. If found not guilty, he would be free to return to his life and music career.
Previous legal actions and ongoing cases
Prosecutors have already said they will ask for the death penalty if Melly is convicted. They believe the crime was planned and involved betrayal of close friends.
Cortlen Henry, also known as YNW Bortlen, is also facing charges. He is expected to have his own trial soon. His case is separate from Melly’s but is linked to the same incident.
In earlier hearings, both sides presented expert witnesses and technical evidence. These included GPS data and text messages from the night of the shooting.
