co-defendants

YFN RICO Case: Seven Defendants Accept Plea Deals, Only Three Remain

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The YFN RICO trial is scheduled to kick off at the beginning of 2024, nearly a year after it was expected to begin. When it’s finally underway, however, only three out of the original 12 defendants will be tried. Seven of the defendants have accepted plea deals in the past couple of weeks. Currently, only YFN Lucci, CP3, and Leek remain.

The maximum sentence a defendant’s received was 20 years, eight to serve, and the minimum sentence was probation. It’s unclear whether any of their plea deals require cooperation. The news comes after Lucci rejected a plea deal back in June. It would have seen him spend 17 years behind bars. The deal would have also required him to plead guilty to felony murder, racketeering, aggravated assault, and violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act.

Read More: YFN Lucci’s Attorney Issues Motion Demanding Speedy Trial

YFN RICO Trial To Begin In Early 2024

Lucci’s attorneys, Drew Findling and Gabe Banks, told TMZ that District Attorney Fani Willis’ terms were “absurd.” They further accused her of “intentionally dragging her feet” in the case of their client. Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial has been postponed to next year due to his co-defendant’s stabbing, meaning the two trials are likely to coincide. The rappers were also reportedly both named as witnesses in each other’s trials.

Ahead of the postponement, Thug’s attorney Brian Steel described the origin of his client’s beef with Lucci in court. According to him, YFN Lucci is less successful than Young Thug, and tries to attach himself to him for clout. He added that Young Thug himself did something similar to Lil Wayne when he was trying to make a name for himself. What do you think of seven defendants in the YFN RICO case taking plea deals in the past couple of weeks? Are you surprised? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: YFN Lucci’s Lawyer Is Confident That YSL RICO Case Will Be A Mistrial

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YSL RICO: Young Thug & Co-Defendants Begin Trial With Opening Statements In Georgia

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It’s been a long 567 days for Young Thug, who’s spent the majority of that year and a half behind bars awaiting the start of his YSL RICO trial. The hunt for a jury officially began in January. However, due to the rapper’s popularity and the large number of co-defendants, it took a minute to find a group of individuals qualified to determine Thugger’s fate. Today (November 27), the Atlanta native is finally back in court as opening statements begin.

As Pitchfork notes, prosecutors allege that the So Much Fun artist’s YSL (Young Stoner Life) label is also the criminal gang Young Slime Life. Thug – born Jeffrey Williams – was taken into police custody on a massive 56-count indictment last May, pinning crimes on him like murder, assault, robbery, theft, illegal gun possession, and illegal drug possession and sales in the Cleveland Avenue neighbourhood for over a decade.

Read More: Gunna Posts Up In Atlanta Ahead Of Young Thug Trial

Young Thug Back in Court as YSL RICO Proceedings Finally Begin

One of the most controversial aspects of the YSL trial is that song lyrics will appear as evidence. In a recently leaked interrogation audio, Thugger laughs at the detective’s questions about him, Lil Wayne, and Birdman being a part of the Bloods, calling their references to gang activity in music, “entertainment.” Luckily for hip-hop heads, everything unfolding in the courtroom today and beyond will be streaming live on Law & Crime‘s YouTube channel, and we’ll be sure to provide you with regular updates as well.

Ahead of today’s highly anticipated court date, social media has been reflecting on the wild rollercoaster that the YSL RICO trial has been before even officially starting. From Lil Keed’s untimely death in the weeks following his labelmate’s arrest to nine people taking plea deals, we could’ve never predicted things would turn out this way for Young Thug and his co-defendants. Read more about that at the link below. Let us know if you think Jeffrey Williams will be coming home when court concludes in the comments.

Read More: Young Thug RICO Trial Start Date Has Social Media Reflecting On YSL Case So Far

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Casanova’s Co-Defendants Eligible For Life Sentences Following RICO Convictions

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Back in 2021, Casanova along with 12 of his alleged Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Blood associates were arrested and hit with various RICO charges. The Brooklyn native went on to renounce his ties to the gang ahead of his sentencing. “I learned through my music career that people will listen and that I don’t need to associate myself with a gang to succeed,” his handwritten letter to the judge read. “I don’t need to associate with a gang even if I don’t succeed.” He was handed nearly 16 years by the judge at the end of June. As for his co-defendants, two of them appeared in court earlier this week and were convicted of racketeering and more.

Dwight “Dick Wolf” Reid and Christopher “Beagle” Erskine are now both eligible for life sentences. They were acquitted of their gun charges per court records. Their sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Both defendants are accused of being leaders of the street gang, which is believed to be responsible for “multiple acts involving murder.” Reid was described by prosecutors as the “gang’s founder and prison leader” while Erskine is believed to have been their “street leader.” Their trial lasted for three weeks, though further details surrounding witness testimonies, etc. are not available at the time of writing.

Read More: Casanova Shares New Flick From Jail, Flexes Muscles For The Gram

Dwight “Dick Wolf” Reid and Christopher “Beagle” Erskine Convicted Of Racketeering

Casanova's Co-Defendants Formally Convicted, Could Face Life Sentences
Casanova attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019 at Cobb Energy Center on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)

In July, Casanova’s lawyer James Kousouros confirmed that he had formally appealed his 15-year sentence. He filed a compassionate release motion in August, arguing that his robbery charge should instead be considered larceny. Prosecutors remain insistent that he stay behind bars while he and his team continue to push for release.

Throughout Casanova’s trial, his team relied heavily on the consequences of the rapper publicly disavowing the gang, which allegedly landed him in the middle of a brutal prison altercation earlier this year. According to reports, fellow inmate Ulysses Lugo attacked Casanova, later prompting several other inmates to get involved. What do you think of Casanova’s co-defendants getting convicted? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Casanova Formally Appeals 15-Year Prison Sentence

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Jam Master Jay Murder Suspect Claims To Have Evidence To Prove His Innocence

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Jay Bryant, one of three suspects in the murder of Jam Master Jay will officially be tried separately. Brooklyn Federal Court Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall made the ruling earlier this month. Bryant claims that if he is tried alongside his co-defendants, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., they’ll point the blame at one another, complicating the trial.

“Bryant argues that ‘there is no plausible scenario’ in which his co-defendants do not turn to the third-party witness their claims of innocence,” Hall wrote. “And at argument, Bryant invited the court to ‘read the tea leaves’ on this issue. I have. Upon a searching review of the record, it is clear that at least Jordan has sufficiently telegraphed that he intends to call the third-party witness to whom Bryant made his alleged admission.” Bryant’s attorney, Cesar de Castro, plans to present “three irreconcilable theories” to the jury. Firstly, he will portray Bryant as innocent, secondly, that he acted alone as the shooter, and thirdly, that he was involved but didn’t fire a gun.

Read More: Rev Run Recalls Jam Master Jay Hearing Public Enemy For The First Time

Jam Master Jay Performs In London

Jam Master Jay of Run DMC performs on stage at the Respect Festival, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom, 2001. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

Federal prosecutors’ case focuses on them claiming Bryant already admitted to pulling the trigger, that he was seen entering the studio during the incident, and that he has been linked to the crime scene by DNA evidence. They believe Washington and Jordan wanted revenge for Jam Master Jay cutting them out of a 10-kilo cocaine deal. Further complicating the process, Bryant’s defense claims it was Jordan who fired the fatal shots. Jordan’s legal team conversely plans to call a witness who will implicate Bryant.

Jam Master Jay was shot and killed inside his studio in Jamaica, Queens in 2002. No arrests in the case were made until 2020 when authorities booked Jordan and Washington. During his career, he was best known as the DJ for the iconic group, Run-DMC. Be on the lookout for further updates on the trial on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Jam Master Jay: Third Man Arrested In The Shooting Case Of Run-DMC Legend

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YSL RICO Co-Defendants Remain Behind Bars As Trial Placed On Hold Until End Of The Month

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When Young Thug was first arrested in 2022, it’s unlikely he thought he’d remain behind bars over a year later. Unfortunately for the So Much Fun hitmaker, things have been moving slower than expected in the YSL RICO trial. While Gunna and others regained their freedom after taking a plea deal, Thugger has been denied bond four times now. The jury selection process began months ago. As HipHopDX reports, officials have yet to seat even one of 12 members. This is in part due to the rapper’s well-known presence in Georgia.

On Thursday (August 24), Law & Crime Network confirmed that there will be a halt in the YSL RICO hearings and proceedings until the end of the month. “Defendant Cordarius Dorsey is currently on trial for murder in an unrelated case in front of another judge,” Cathy Russon reported via Twitter. “Therefore, no more activities will happen until that case has concluded,” she added, along with an expected return date of August 31. In Russon’s accompanying video, Thug makes an appearance in the courtroom, looking crisp in a white sweater and sneakers. He briefly stops to speak with his legal team before taking a seat.

Read More: Documentary Podcast “King Slime” Will Go Deep On Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial

Young Thug Appears in Court for YSL RICO Update

Regardless of the time things are taking, the 32-year-old continues to move forward with confidence and optimism that he’ll soon be reunited with his friends and family. Countless other rappers have been doing their part to support the multi-talent as he’s stuck in jail. Drake is among those doing the most lately. From providing two features for Thug’s BUSINESS IS BUSINESS album to wearing a hoodie dedicated to his frequent collaborator, his love is obvious.

Elsewhere, it was recently reported that Young Thug and his co-defendants could be in some hot water. Apparently, they’ve been creating security issues for officers while awaiting their fate in jail. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Young Thug And YSL Accused Of Creating Security Issues In Prison

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XXXTENTACION Killers Guilty: Twitter Reacts

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The court found the three codefendants accused of murdering XXXTENTACION to be guilty of first-degree murder. Moreover, on Monday (March 20), the month-long trial concluded upon the decision of a South Florida jury. Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams and Trayvon Newsome also faced a guilty conviction for charges of armed robbery with a firearm. Afterwards, sheriff’s deputies immediately handcuffed them in the courtroom. Each of the three perpetrators now face mandatory life sentences, although an official sentencing hearing will take place on a later date. Given X’s massive reach and the highly publicized legacy of his life and death, it’s been a long road to get to this point, five years after his death.

However, another codefendant, Robert Allen, actually became a state’s witness against his co-perpetrators in August of 2022. During their trial, he testified against the three accused men and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Said confessions gave the court more context as to what the motivations and dynamic of the murder were. Also, they debunked theories that other rappers like Drake actually instigated the murder or were part of a planned-out hit.

XXXTENTACION Killers Found Guilty

Still, Allen’s fate is unclear at the moment regarding his sentence, although that could soon come to light. Unsurprisingly, many reacted positively to the verdict, whether with jubilance or with resigned sadness. While it’s fulfilling and satisfying to see justice served, it’s not exactly the most celebratory of occasions. After all, X’s years-long absence will always be felt more powerfully than his killers’ incarceration. Even considering that these men will remain behind bars for life doesn’t get at the massive crisis that rappers face today, as they’re targeted for their image, wealth, possessions, and to make a headline.

Since X’s death, far too many rappers were lost at the hands of those wanting to steal their success. The three guilty men in this trial later flaunted their money and appeared quite pleased with themselves in released footage to the court. As many fans, loved ones, and regular people react to the verdict, many also acknowledge that the real work to help protect hip-hop is still yet to be done. Regardless, check out reactions below and return to HNHH for the latest updates on this story.

Twitter Reacts To Verdict

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XXXTENTACION Murder Trial: Suspects Dance After X’s Death In Courtroom Video

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The XXXTENTACION murder trial is underway, and it certainly hasn’t gone without a few hiccups. The defense and prosecution have laid their arguments that have undoubtedly revealed new information surrounding the rapper’s death. Witnesses took to the stand, like XXXTENTACION’s uncle, the fan who took a photo of X after he was shot, and the ex-girlfriend of defendant Dedrick Williams. Then, there was the whole circus surrounding Drake and 600Breezy that the judge was ultimately fed up with. That aspect of the case undoubtedly caught everyone’s attention. 

The prosecutors and defense will soon share their closing arguments in the case before a jury decides the fate of the three individuals on trial. Though it seems like they will be convicted for XXXTENTACION’s death, the defense continues to put up a fight against the prosecutor’s argument. Still, between the state’s star witness, Robert Allen who copped a plea deal in the case, and recently referring to the alleged culprits as “predators,” the prosecutors have shown confidence in their case. By the end of the week, the jury will be in deliberation to decide the outcome of the trial as fans hope for justice for the late rapper. 

“Happy” Defendants Allegedly Danced After XXXTENTACION’s Murder

MIAMI BEACH, FL – OCTOBER 06: Rapper XXXTentacion attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2017 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater on October 6, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET )

Broward County Assistant State Attorney Pascale Achille shared some damning evidence on Tuesday. Achille shared a video that showed the defendants, Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, and Dedrick Williams, “happy” following the shooting death of X. Achille said they took the video within a day of robbing X of $50K in cash outside of Riva Motorsports shop in Broward County.

“This is who they are. This is their real character. Killers that within 24 hours after shooting the victim dead and stealing $50,000 from him, this is what they do,” Achille said to the jury as the video played. “Look at how happy they look. Look at how excited they look.” The incriminating evidence will undoubtedly play a role in the jury’s decision. If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in prison. We will continue to keep you up to date on any more information regarding the case. 

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Young Thug Trial Faces Bump As Lawyers Of Two YSL Codefendants Are Pregnant

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The Young Thug and YSL trial recently took a turn as two lawyers of codefendants are now pregnant. Now, both YSL members potentially face separate trials at a later date that could keep them incarcerated for longer. Moreover, prosecutors filed a motion this week to eliminate Tenquarius Mender and Kahlieff Adams from Thug’s trial. Furthermore, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that prosecutors referred to “impending and imminent personal leave of absence.” However, the pregnant lawyers in question dismissed these notions and maintained they can fully represent their clients.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Rapper Young Thug performs at halftime during the Boston Celtics v Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

“I don’t think pregnancy should be treated as a disease or a disability,” Nicole Fegan, who represents Mender, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “If Rihanna can do it, I’m sure that we can both adequately represent our clients.” While Thugger’s trial could last from six to nine months, it’s unclear how far along each lawyer is in their pregnancy. Interestingly, Fegan requested the judge to sever her client from the RICO case, and the court denied said motion. Following that, now she objected to the state creating a separate trial. From her statement, she seemed to specifically highlight that jury selection is already underway. As such, any initial plans she had for severance would now hurt the process too much.

“I think at this point, trying them separately would be expensive and potentially prejudicial because the jury selection process has already started,” Fegan remarked. “We’ve been on this case since May, and in May I wasn’t pregnant.” On the other hand, neither Mender nor Adams expressed desires for new lawyers after this revelation, at least as of writing this article. Moreover, the court will hear this motion on Tuesday (February 21) at the earliest.

Meanwhile, jury selection for YSL’s case already faced several delays and could take a while to complete. Considering that, these developments only mean more time and money for the court, and months behind bars for defendants. For example, after excusing many jurors for varied health and circumstance reasons, the court sought out an additional 300 potential jurors. Whether these pregnancies pose an obstacle for the collective remains to be seen. However, prosecutors seem keen on focusing in on the meat of the case and setting precedent for later convictions. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest on Young Thug and the YSL trial.

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XXXTENTACION Murder Trial: Codefendant Mocked Robert Allen For Taking Plea

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In the latest development of XXXTENTACION’s murder trial, a codefendant recently mocked former codefendant Robert Allen for taking a plea deal. Moreover, Allen is now a state’s witness, and he gave his testimony in court on Wednesday (February 8). During his remarks, he gave details as to what happened before the armed and eventually fatal robbery. However, a deputy in charge of transporting Allen recalled that codefendant Trayvon Newsome mocked Allen for his decision. While the deputy walked past the holding cell with Allen, Newsome shouted “There he is working with the police! You’re working with the white man now!”

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – AUGUST 7: (EDITORS NOTE: Best quality available) In this handout photo provided by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Trayvon Newsome, 20, a suspect in the shooting of rapper XXXTentacion, is seen in a police booking photo after his arrest on charges of first-degree murder August 7, 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Broward County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

Furthermore, Newsome stands charged along with Michael Boatwright and Dedrick Williams with first-degree murder and armed robbery. If convicted, the three will likely serve life in prison. During Robert Allen’s testimony, he said that Boatwright fired the gun that fatally struck X. Also, he denied that anyone hired him to commit the robbery, and that him, Boatwright, and Newsome were hesitant. However, according to Allen, Williams mocked the now codefendants into attacking XXXTENTACION, which the mocking of Allen’s plea deal echoed.

Also, jurors recently saw the full graphic video of the late rapper’s death. While videos of it surfaced online shortly after he passed, many demanded posters to delete them out of respect. Meanwhile, Allen also acknowledged a few other elements of his story. “I couldn’t see or hear what XXX was saying,” he claimed, as he did not want to exit the vehicle. Moreover, their Dodge SUV blocked X’s car as the robbery occurred. “I knew there was a good chance I would get caught. I did not want to get arrested.”

Another witness to the murder was the late Jahseh Onfroy’s uncle, Leonard Kerr. “We get in the car to drive out. At the exit, when we pull out, we stop,” Kerr recounted. “[XXXTENTACION] looked to the left. I looked to the right. By the time [XXXTENTACION] looked to the left, I see a car coming down the block and blocked the entrance. After the car pulled by the entrance, two persons jump out the side doors. One come on Jahseh side, one come on the side that I’m on. The taller one do like this, ‘You don’t come out of the f***ing car.’ The other one was at Jahseh’s side…He was saying, ‘Give me the chain. Where’s the chain?’” After composing himself, Kerr continued to say he ran and, upon returning to the murder scene, called X’s mother. Come back to HNHH for the latest updates on this story.

XXXTentacion Defendant Takes Stand As State’s Witness

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A fourth defendant in the killing of XXXTentacion, Robert Allen, took the stand as a state’s witness in court on Wednesday. Allen previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is now working with the prosecution. Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome have been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery regarding X’s death. The group faces up to life in prison if convicted.

During his testimony, Allen claimed that Michael Boatwright was the one to fire the gun. He confirmed that Boatwright fired at “Triple X.” Allen also denied being hired by anyone to commit the robbery. He added that Boatwright and Newsome were hesitant to go ahead with the crime, but Williams peer-pressured them by making fun of them for being scared.

Robert Allen’s Testimony

Earlier in the trial, XXXTentacion’s uncle, Leonard Kerr, detailed the day of the shooting from his perspective. Kerr was in the passenger seat of X’s car while they left RIVA Motorsports in Deerfield Beach, Florida at the time of the shooting. Surveillance footage from the time shows Kerr fleeing as the robbery goes down.

“We get in the car to drive out. At the exit, when we pull out, we stop,” Kerr said, recalling the moment on the stand. “[XXXTentacion] looked to the left. I looked to the right. By the time [XXXTentacion] looked to the left, I see a car coming down the block and blocked the entrance. After the car pulled by the entrance, two persons jump out the side doors. One come on Jahseh side, one come on the side that I’m on. The taller one do like this, ‘You don’t come out of the fucking car.’ The other one was at Jahseh’s side…He was saying, ‘Give me the chain. Where’s the chain?’”

As for the three remaining defendants’ defense, their lawyers recently claimed that Drake may have actually been involved in the 2018 slaying. They explained that investigators never looked into X’s previous feud with Drake prior to his death. X once tweeted, “If anyone tries to kill me it was @champagnepapi,” but later claimed to have been hacked.

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