In the world of Hip-Hop, law, and crime, YNW Melly returned to a Broward County courtroom on Tuesday as his defense attorneys continued their effort to secure a pretrial release for the Florida artist.
Jamell Demons, known professionally as YNW Melly, has been held without bond since his 2019 arrest. He is preparing to face a second trial on charges of first-degree murder connected to the 2018 deaths of fellow YNW members Christopher Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams.
Raven Liberty, Melly’s attorney, argued that his extended incarceration—now exceeding six years—should prompt the court to reconsider bond, particularly after a mistrial was declared in 2023. She referenced a motion filed in March claiming Melly had been denied access to his family and legal team while behind bars.
To address concerns over safety and compliance, Liberty proposed several conditions if bond were granted. These include house arrest, 24-hour private security, and GPS monitoring, with the court and law enforcement overseeing his movements. She also noted that Melly’s record label is willing to cover the cost of his bond.
However, the state remains firm in its opposition. Assistant State Attorney Justin Griffiths presented evidence such as ballistic reports and cellphone data linking Melly to the crime scene. He also referenced a separate pending case involving alleged witness tampering, suggesting that Melly poses a risk to both public safety and legal proceedings.
As expected, Anthony Williams’s family voiced strong opposition to any potential release. A rep spoke directly to Judge Martin Fein, emphasizing their belief that bond should be denied under all circumstances.