Florida rapper YNW Melly won’t be going back on trial for at least a few years, as it’s been postponed again. According to reports, the retrial is set for January 2027. The decision means the 26-year-old rapper could spend nearly 8 years behind bars awaiting trial since his 2019 arrest. Additionally, Tay-K recently got a shocking update on his release date from prison.
Related: Retrial Of YNW Melly’s Double-Murder Case Is Scheduled
YNW Melly’s Retrial Postponed Again
According to journalist Bryson “Boom” Paul, YNW Melly’s retrial has been pushed back to January 2027 after the appeals court granted a delay to review the State’s motion. The rapper, born Jamell Demons, is accused of fatally shooting two of his friends, Christopher ‘Juvy’ Thomas Jr. and Anthony ‘Sakchaser’ Williams, in 2018. Prosecutors allege Melly staged the crime to appear as a drive-by shooting. As The Shade Room reported, the retrial was initially set for March 2024 after the Judge declared a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous decision. If convicted, YNW Melly could face the death penalty, per NBC Miami.
Social Media Reacts
Fans expressed frustration over the repeated delays, with some questioning whether such an extended wait is legal.
Instagram user @1yaluckyday wrote, “ATP they gone make him sit for 10 years and then let him go”
Another Instagram user @imsouniversal wrote, “They not trying to free this man smh”
While Instagram user @official.aneiyce wrote, “Is that even legal?”
Instagram user @lostvibzs wrote, “That man ain’t never gonna touch grass.”
Another Instagram user @stephiecudi wrote, “If there isn’t enough evidence, why isn’t he free!?!? smh”
While Instagram user @darealbratt__ wrote, “My graduation year n he been in there since I was in like 5th”
Instagram user @prezdonfto wrote, “Why he can’t get a speedy trial?”
Another Instagram user @itssonly1ya wrote, “They up here playing with this man life n it’s not okay”
While Instagram user @daddyreej suggested Young Thug’s lawyer writing, “He need Brian Steel”
Another Rapper’s Release Date Updated To 2099
Another update in a high-profile rap case shocked the internet this week. Rapper Tay-K recently made headlines when updated records from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice showed his release date as August 8, 2099. If accurate, the 24-year-old would remain in prison for another 74 years, according to Hot New Hip Hop. Tay-K, known for his viral 2017 track “The Race,” was convicted of murder in 2019 and sentenced to 55 years. His prison term grew in April 2025 when he was found guilty of killing 23-year-old Mark Saldivar during a botched carjacking while on the run. He is currently serving concurrent 55- and 80-year sentences.
