Death Penalty Archives - New Hip Hop News

Lil Durk Reportedly Faces Death Penalty If Found Guilty Of Murder-For-Hire

October 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Yesterday (October 24), Lil Durk was arrested in Broward County, FL. According to XXL, the Chicago rapper is facing a murder-for-hire charge and is currently being held without bond. Akademiks TV reports that he could receive the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. Further details of the arrest have yet to be revealed but his lawyers Brian Bieber and Alek Ubieta say he’ll appear in federal court in Fort Lauderdale today.

Durk’s arrest took place just hours after five alleged OTF affiliates were arrested for alleged murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire conspiracy. Their charges are in connection to the 2022 murder of 24-year-old Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, Quando Rondo’s cousin. Feds believe the murder was committed in retaliation for King Von’s 2020 death.

Lil Durk Arrested In Florida For Alleged Murder-For-Hire

Prosecutors allege that these men were hired to kill Quando Rondo and that an unnamed member of OTF promised “lucrative music opportunities” to whoever would. The men allegedly used OTF-affiliated credit cards to book flights and rental cars, according to the Chicago Tribune. In August of 2022, Quando Rondo and Lul Pab were at a gas station in Los Angeles when their vehicle was shot at. Quando Rondo, who authorities believe was the alleged target, walked away unscathed while Lul Pab succumbed to his injuries.

In November 2020, Timothy “Lul Tim” Leeks was arrested and hit with felony murder charges in connection with King Von’s death. In August of 2023, his charges were dropped under Georgia’s “stand-your-ground” law, suggesting he acted in self-defense. At the time, King Von’s girlfriend Asian Doll took to X with a brief message. “Because the police said Tim ain’t kill him, the police did,” she alleged. No other suspect has been named in King Von’s death since. What do you think of Lil Durk getting arrested in Florida for alleged murder-for-hire? What about reports that he could potentially face the death penalty if convicted? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Foolio Murder: Florida Reportedly Seeks Death Penalty For Three Suspects

October 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In June of this year, Foolio was tragically shot and killed outside of a Tampa hotel while celebrating his 26th birthday. Five suspects were later identified, Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy, Alicia Andrews, and Davion Murphy. At the time of writing, Davion Murphy is still allegedly on the run. The others are currently in custody facing various charges.

According to documents obtained by XXL, Florida State Attorney Susan S. Lopez filed a motion this week revealing Florida’s intention to hand Chance, Gathright, and Rashad Murphy the death penalty if they’re found guilty. They’ve all been hit with charges of alleged first-degree murder, murder conspiracy, and attempted murder. It’s unclear why Andrews is not listed on the death penalty motion. The outlet points out speculation that she could be cooperating with authorities, but this is not confirmed.

Alicia Andrews Not Listed In Florida State Attorney’s Death Penalty Motion

Florida is seeking the death penalty for 4 of the 5 suspects in the death of Foolio. The only woman in the case isn’t included in Florida request. It’s being speculated that she is cooperating with authorities against her boyfriend and the 3 other killers. Via @AkademiksTV pic.twitter.com/NhzSNid5xc

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) October 8, 2024

In August, Chance and Andrews pleaded not guilty to four counts of premeditated first-degree murder, according to XXL. Gathright pleaded not guilty to two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, attempted premeditated first-degree murder, and tampering with physical evidence per WTSP. Chance and Andrews are accused of tracking Foolio’s whereabouts while the Murphys and Gathright allegedly carried out the shooting. Chance, Andrews, and Gathright were all denied bond in August. “The evidence of this coordinated attack is overwhelming,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said at the time. “And our community is safer when they are behind bars.”

As for Davion Murphy, it was reported last month that authorities believed he was still at large in the Jacksonville area. Shortly after, he allegedly got into an argument with another user on Twitter Spaces, and a clip of the spat made its rounds online. What do you think of the state of Florida reportedly seeking the death penalty for three of the suspects charged in Foolio’s murder? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Busta Rhymes Labels Marcellus Williams’ Execution An “Unfathomable Travesty” In Passionate Response

September 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Busta Rhymes voiced his support for Marcellus Williams on Instagram, Tuesday, after the US Supreme Court denied a stay of execution in his extremely controversial murder conviction. The move came despite attorneys on both sides of the original case, as well as the victim’s family, calling to stop the killing. Busta described it as an “unfathomable travesty.”

“An Unfathomable Travesty has transpired today with the Death of an Innocent Man,” Busta wrote. “You didn’t get your Justice here so make sure you serve your Justice from where you are Almighty.” Larry Komp, a member of Williams’ legal team, had confirmed that he maintained his innocence until the very end. “While he would readily admit to the wrongs he had done throughout his life, he never wavered in asserting his innocence of the crime for which he was put to death tonight,” Komp said, as caught by CNN. “Although we are devastated and in disbelief over what the State has done to an innocent man, we are comforted that he left this world in peace.”

Busta Rhymes Performs At The Essence Festival Of Culture

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 05: Busta Rhymes performs during 2024 ESSENCE. Festival of Culture on July 05, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

Williams was convicted in 2001 of killing Felicia Gayle. On Saturday, his lawyers as well as St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell filed a joint brief requesting the case be brought back down to a lower court. Earlier this year, prosecutors argued that DNA testing on the knife used in the killing might suggest Williams was not the killer. However, last month, new DNA testing revealed the murder weapon had actually been mishandled and was thus contaminated. In addition to that drama, Williams’ attorneys argued that a prosecutor from Williams’ 2001 trial admitted that he had struck a potential juror from the jury pool because they were Black. Assistant Attorney General Michael Spillane countered that the prosecutor only said he did so because “they look like brothers.”

Busta Rhymes Shows Support For Marcellus Williams

In a statement posted to the organization’s social media pages, the NAACP condemned the execution. They wrote: “Missouri lynched another innocent Black man. Governor Parson had the responsibility to save this innocent life, and he didn’t … We will hold Governor Parson accountable. When DNA evidence proves innocence, capital punishment is not justice – it is murder.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Busta Rhymes and Marcellus Williams on HotNewHipHop.

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YNW Melly Returns To Court To Seek Bail For Double Murder Trial

September 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The newest developments in the highly publicized trial of YNW Melly are underway. The rapper has been in police custody since 2019 for a double murder charge dating all the way back to the 2017 death of two of his friends. While he has already sat through one trial, Melly isn’t out of the woods yet by any means. His first trial took place earlier this year and ultimately ended when the judge declared it a mistrial. The prosecution made their intent clear right away to re-prosecute the rapper and a new trial is expected to get underway later this year.

In the meantime, Melly is hoping to spend his time at home between the two trials. According to All HipHop, the rapper is expected in court today to argue for a chance to be released on bond until the next trial begins. It’s unclear just how long he would be able to spend at home as his next trial isn’t that far away. Subsequently jury selection for the retrial is expected to commence on October 9.

YNW Melly Trying To Get Released On Bail

YNW Melly Fights for Freedom: Rapper Seeks Bond Ahead of Retrial in Double Murder Case https://t.co/cb6SBR61kQ

— HipHopX (@HipHopNewsX) September 15, 2023

The first trial was declared a mistrial as the jury was hung. “I believe that he didn’t do it and it wasn’t proved in court. This was a really bad situation of being framed. Melly was a very good person. He always tried to help out people around him,” one of the jurors from the trial said publicly afterward.

The motion for Melly’s bond was officially filed almost a full month ago. If the court ultimately drags its feet in regard to his newest hearing, Melly’s time at home could be very short-lived. Many have called out that the rapper has been in police custody for years now without ever actually being convicted of a crime. What do you think of YNW Melly re-appearing in court to seek bond? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Boosie Badazz On YNW Melly’s Trial: “Death Is Unanimous”

August 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During a recent interview with VladTV, Boosie Badazz shared his thoughts on YNW Melly’s ongoing double murder case. Boosie attended the first trial back in June, even claiming that it inspired him to possibly become a defense attorney. YNW Melly is currently awaiting his second trial, after the first was ruled a mistrial in July. If found guilty, it’s possible that the artist could be looking at the death penalty. He’s accused of shooting and killing two YNW associates, Juvy and SakChaser. Melly’s defense argues that their deaths were instead the result of a drive-by shooting.

In the interview, Boosie explains that he had met Melly at an airport once before, fondly remembering the experience. He recalls the young rapper buying him food and magazines, telling him “you ain’t spending nothing OG.” Boosie also says that he got the opportunity to meet the 24-year-old’s mother, describing her as “real,” and sharing that she reminded him of his own mother.

Boosie Badazz Says “Eight-Four Is F*cking Crazy”

The rapper says that Melly may have even been with Juvy and SakChaser, who he’s accused of killing, at the time they met. Boosie shared his thoughts on the trial, getting heated while discussing how the judge will allow an eight-to-four vote on the death penalty. “I was so pissed off about that,” the rapper explained. He adds that it was a new law that was passed just ahead of Melly’s trial, which he claims is the reason they waited so long.

“After that law passed, they took him straight to f*cking trial, bro. Eight-four is f*cking crazy, it’s unheard of — death is unanimous.” He expressed how he feels as though the vote is unfair, citing his own personal experiences. Boosie explains that at one point, he was facing the death penalty, but it was later switched to a life sentence so that he could more easily be convicted ten-to-two. He claims that in any other state, the death penalty would have to be a unanimous decision.

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YNW Melly Murder Case: What We Know

June 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

In February 2019, Florida rapper YNW Melly was arrested on two counts of first-degree murder. Born Jamell Demons, the then-19-year-old was amid a swelling rap career under the YNW Melly moniker. From collaborating with Kanye West to delivering the hit single “Murder On My Mind,” he had a highly successful career ahead of him. Unfortunately, the song was more-so engrained in reality rather than fiction than fans would’ve thought.

Demons had an early fascination with music as an outlet for his chaotic childhood. Listening to artists like Chris Brown, he began recording music as a wild teenager. His mother gave birth to him when she was the mere age of 14. However, that lack of guidance would manifest in various unhealthy fixations. Demons took a precocious interest in guns as early as elementary school. In fact, he’s openly discussed bringing a revolver with him to school daily in fourth grade.

YNW Melly Had A Past Of Violence

YNW Melly’s song “Murder On My Mind” was rooted in his fixation with firearms. As a 16-year-old, he was charged with three counts of aggravated assault and one count of discharging a firearm in a public setting. He later told Billboard that being locked up inspired his chorus on the track, stating, “The first time I got locked up. I was like 15 or 16. I woke up and I had that chorus.”

On the track, Melly states, “His body dropped down to the floor and he had teardrops in his eyes/ He grabbed me by my hands and said he was afraid to die/ I told ’em it’s too late my friend, it’s time to say ‘goodbye.’” In retrospect, his fixation with violence was certainly unhealthier than the traditional discussions surrounding the topic in hip-hop. However, “Murder On My Mind” was released when outraged barbarity became mainstream hip-hop’s mainstay. Amid the SoundCloud era of sound, YNW Melly’s hit track blended in with other trap-banger hits that covered similar narratives.

Demons & YNW Bortlen Face Two Counts Of Murder

Before being arrested in February 2019 for the murder of two of his past friends, he had been in and out of prison. It’s a wonder that YNW even managed to grow his career continually. He was in a cyclical and chaotic routine. Melly would spend roughly six months in prison, then create music and persistently tour when he was out. On August 3, 2018, he released his first full-length mixtape in the form of I Am You. From a Chris Brown interpolation to the maternal ode in the form of “Mama Cry,” the mixtape blended his signature bangers with a softer side to his creative personality.

While creating his first full-length studio album, YNW Melly was associated with a new controversy. Christopher Thomas Jr and Anthony Williams, members of the YNW crew, were shot and killed on October 26, 2018. The two were dead before police arrived at the scene. Known as close friends and fellow MCs to Melly, he took to social media to mourn their passing, stating, “They took my brothers from me over jealousy.”

A few months later, Melly’s official documentary arrived on YouTube. The documentary primarily focuses on his troubling prison life and rise to fame. However, the end of the video claims that YNW Melly and his two murdered friends were the targets of a drive-by shooting in Miami. On the same day, he revealed that he was recording with Kanye West for the rumored Yandhi.

Melly Is Potentially Facing The Death Penalty

While Kanye West and YNW Melly were reportedly working together on music, Melly was arrested on murder charges along with Cortlen Henry, known as YNW Bortlen, on February 13, 2019. Police alleged that he shot and killed Thomas Jr and Williams. Furthermore, they accused Melly of staging the deaths as a drive-by shooting to clear his name.

Even during Melly’s time in prison, he continued releasing albums likely in the vault before he began serving time. Melly vs. Melvin spent 31 weeks on the Billboard 200 charts. Just a Matter of Slime featured Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Future, and more. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 charts.

Since YNW Melly was imprisoned on murder charges, he has yet to see the light of day. Melly is set to face trial on the week of June 20th, with the jury selection process still ongoing. Per Florida’s recent law changes, only eight juror votes are now required to recommend the death penalty if a defendant is found guilty. This isn’t the case for Henry, who has been under house arrest since 2020. Now 24, YNW Melly has received a slew of supportive messages under the tag #FreeMelly. His little brother, dubbed YNW BSlime, has been releasing multiple tracks calling for his release.

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Judge Allows Jurors To Vote On Whether To Give YNW Melly The Death Penalty

June 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Reports have confirmed that a judge in South Florida is going to allow jurors in YNW Melly’s trial to recommend a death sentence with an 8-4 vote instead of a unanimous vote.

Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy is allowing the jurors to decide if Melly, who is facing two counts of first-degree murder, should face the death penalty or serve the rest of his life behind bars without the possibility of parole.

YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, will be going on trial for the murders of his deceased crew members Chris Thomas, 20, aka YNW Juvy, and Anthony Williams, 21, aka YNW Sakchaser back in 2018.

Judge Murphy said his decision, “was not fundamentally unfair for [Melly]… nor would it violate his right to due process of the law.”

Melly’s trial is set to begin later this month ad he will be one of the first people to be tried under this new law allowing jurors to vote o a defendant’s life or death.

Melly has plead not guilty and currently sits behind bars with no bond.

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YNW Melly’s Death Penalty Potential Made Easier By Florida Judge

June 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The long-awaited trial for YNW Melly’s murder case is finally due to kick off later this month. Unfortunately, the Florida native received some bad news ahead of that regarding the death penalty. It was previously taken off the table for Melly, but ultimately later put back on after the ruling was found to be faulty. Since then, the 23-year-old has continued to campaign for his freedom with the help of attorneys, family, friends, and fans.

Even from behind bars Melly has managed to get messages out via Instagram. In one from earlier this year, the “Murder On My Mind” artist shared that he’s “in fear of [his] life” behind bars while awaiting his fate. YNW has allegedly dealt with harsh deputies, lieutenants, and sergeants, all of whom he says are threatening to “hide [him] from the world.” The original posts are no longer on his profile, leaving only more recent snapshots of the embattled star smiling while wearing a suit in court.

YNW Melly is Eager to Come Home

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As XXL reports, on Friday (June 2) Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy agreed with state prosecutors who filed a motion following a new statute allowing jury members to recommend a death sentence with an 8-4 vote. Before this, all 12 jurors would have to vote for the fatal penalty. Melly will officially be one of the first tried under the harsh new rule following Parkland High School shooter Nikolas Cruz’s recent denial due to a 9-3 vote from the jury.

Of all the states where it’s still legal, Florida now has the lowest threshold for handing out a death sentence in the country. Read all about the jury selection process for YNW Melly’s upcoming trial at the link below. Do you think the judge’s new ruling is fair for the young rapper? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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Donald Trump Wants To Bring Back Firing Squads & Hangings: Report

February 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Donald Trump has reportedly been expressing interest in bringing back firing squads, hangings, and “possibly even the guillotine,” according to Rolling Stone. The outlet cites a source familiar with the matter. The report comes after the former president called for the death penalty for all drug dealers during his 2024 campaign announcement.

“The [former] president believes this would help put the fear of God into violent criminals,” this source told Rolling Stone. “He wanted to do some of these [things] when he was in office, but for whatever reasons didn’t have the chance.” They added that Trump previously mused about creating a government-backed video-ad campaign to promote the idea of bringing back the execution methods.

Trump’s Campaign Announcement

Donald Trump called for the death penalty for drug dealers during his 2024 campaign announcement.

Such rhetoric is eerily reminiscent of other authoritarian strongmen like Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, who supported the extrajudicial killings of drug dealers & drug users. pic.twitter.com/02a52aOqur

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) November 17, 2022

A spokesperson for the Trump campaign denied that he considered a video-ad campaign. “More ridiculous and fake news from idiots who have no idea what they’re talking about,” the spokesman told the outlet in an email. “Either these people are fabricating lies out of thin air, or Rolling Stone is allowing themselves to be duped by these morons.”

When asked specifically about firing squads and other execution methods, the spokesperson referred to Trump’s aforementioned 2024 campaign announcement. “Every drug dealer during his or her life, on average, will kill 500 people with the drugs they sell, not to mention the destruction of families,” they said. “We’re going to be asking everyone who sells drugs, gets caught selling drugs, to receive the death penalty for their pain.”

In the announcement, Trump had said specifically that he will execute any drug dealer found guilty. “And they send the bullet to the family and they want the family to pay for the cost of the bullet,” Trump said at the rally. “If you want to stop the drug epidemic in this country, you better do that … [even if] it doesn’t sound nice.”

By the end of Donald Trump’s presidency, he had already proven his support for the death penalty. During the final months of his administration, he oversaw the executions of 13 federal prisoners. Since 1963, the government only executed three federal prisoners. It was also the first administration since the 1880s to put people to death during a lame-duck period.

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