(Pedro Portal/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
YNW Melly reportedly broke down in court as prosecutors played footage of his alleged dying victims. Tuesday marks day two of Melly’s double murder trial in Broward County, Florida.
Melly, born Jamell Demons, is accused of murdering the victims –two of his friends–in October 2018. Prosecutors are arguing the rapper set the murders up to look like a drive-by shooting.
Law & Crime’s Bryson Paul reported that Melly appeared to wipe back tears as prosecutors showed a video of 21-year-old Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser) and 19-year-old Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy) in stretchers.
“#YNWMellyTrial: As video footage shows @YNWMelly deceased friends put on stretchers at the hospital, all but one of the women (4) in victims’ families exit the courtroom in tears. Melly even appears to wipe his eyelids,” Paul tweeted.
For those just catching up, the State of Florida has confirmed it will seek the death penalty in Melly’s case.
A Broward County circuit judge ruled last week on behalf of the district attorney. Prosecutors can now follow a new statute allowing jurors to recommend the death penalty with an eight-to-four vote, XXL confirmed.
The last person to receive a death sentence in the county was the “Dunkin’ Donuts killer,” James Herard, in 2015, the New Times of Palm Beach reports.
But Melly maintains his innocence amid claims of inhumane treatment inside the Florida jail. In December, he revealed fear for his life while accusing jail staff of abuse.
Melly claimed that he’s “surrounded in the care of power-struck deputies and captains of high authority” who outwardly dislike him.
“When I come out of my cell for the 1 hour a day, all other inmats in the adjoining dorms must go back in their cell. I am being subjected to cruel and unusual treatment at the hands of deputies and high-ranking staff of the Broward Sheriff’s Office.”
YNW Melly has remained behind bars since his 2019 arrest.
