judge

YNW Melly’s Murder Retrial Delayed Once Again

by

YNW Melly’s murder retrial has been pushed back to February 5, 2024. According to Law & Crime, Judge John Murphy made the decision earlier this week after prosecutors requested a delay. In doing so, he cited “extraordinary circumstances” warranting the extension. The trial was originally set to begin a month earlier.

Melly’s mother reacted to the news in a post on social media, Monday. “Lawsuits, lies, delayed trials, overdue bill, seeing death everyday at work but have no choice but to work,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “Broken heart, sadness, stress, tears, fears, 5 years.”

Read More: YNW Melly’s Retrial To Get Entirely New Jury Following Defense Error

YNW Melly Booked In Florida

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – FEBRUARY 13: In this handout photo provided by the Broward’s Sheriff’s Office, rapper YNW Melly, real name Jamell Demons, is seen in a police booking photo after being charged with two counts of murder in the first degree February 13, 2019 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Demons allegedly conspired with Cortlen Henry to fatally shot two other Florida based rappers, Christopher Thomas Jr and Anthony Williams, October 26. (Photo by Broward’s Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

The prosecution requested a delay in the trial’s start date, earlier this month, citing several reasons. “Throughout the defendant’s 20+ pleadings and in court hearings, the defendant complains of the number of witnesses that must be deposed as well as the many motions that must be heard,” prosecutors wrote in one motion. “The defendant complains that the state has filed motions after the court’s discovery cut off, yet the defendant himself has also filed motions after this date. Several of the state’s motions are a result of the defendant’s new criminal activity.” They added: “It is abundantly evident that the defendant is not ready for trial.”

Another primary reason for the delay is the jury selection. Due to an error on the part of the defense, the process needed to be restarted, last week. Melly’s team had incorrectly instructed the jury that they needed to find the rapper guilty of everything of which he’s accused to proceed with a guilty verdict, which isn’t the case. Be on the lookout for further updates on Melly’s upcoming trial on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: YNW Melly Prosecutors Request Delay In Trial, Argue He’s Not Ready

[Via]

The post YNW Melly’s Murder Retrial Delayed Once Again appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Young Dolph’s Murder Trial’s Judge Removed, Will Get Replacement: Report

by

The murder trial of Young Dolph was already a complicated and arduously lengthy affair, but things just got another twist. Moreover, the Court of Criminal Appeals removed Judge Lee Coffee from the case, according to AllHipHop, who presided over the case up until this point. For those unaware, four individuals currently face charges for the 2021 murder of the Memphis rapper at his favorite bakery, Makeda’s Homemade Cookies. Specifically, Coffee’s recusal reportedly stems from his alleged mistreatment of one of the defendants, Justin Johnson. Also known by his rap name Straight Drop, he released the track “No Statements” from behind bars last year on YouTube.

Furthermore, Judge Lee Coffee apparently got in touch with the chief jailer and demanded that Young Dolph’s accused killer move to administrative isolation. He made this request despite conclusions from prison authorities that this release did not break any regulations. Afterwards, Johnson’s lawyers requested Coffee’s removal, which the judge obviously dismissed but could not prevent form moving to a successful appeal. As such, the Court of Criminal Appeals stated that “it would appear to a reasonable person that Judge Coffee has a prejudice of a personal character directed at the defendant.”

Read More: Curren$y Says Memphis Isn’t The Same Since Young Dolph’s Death

The Song That Got Young Dolph’s Murder Trial’s Judge Mad- And In Trouble

Their ruling severed Coffee from the Young Dolph case, responding directly to previously overlooked power imbalances and a lack of impartiality. This means that this trial needs a new judge, which will likely enter the case within due time. Hopefully it’s quickly, as this process could delay an already years-long case with more roadblocks in its way that don’t relate to this. While the defendants could face a better chance with another authority at the head, the opposite is equally possible, and justice could come more effectively now.

Meanwhile, this comes as folks continue to celebrate Dolph’s legacy, impact, and reverence within his community and the representation of Memphis rap across the whole genre. Even though it’s unclear what implications this judge swap will yield for the case, fans are holding out hope that this is the light at the end of the tunnel. Until we fully emerge on the other side, though, anything could happen. For more news and the latest updates on Young Dolph, log back into HNHH.

Read More: Yo Gotti And Young Dolph’s Accused Killer Get Called Out In Jay Fizzle’s New Track

[via]

The post Young Dolph’s Murder Trial’s Judge Removed, Will Get Replacement: Report appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Mario Receives Backlash For Allegedly Writing Letter To Judge In Support Of Tory Lanez

by

Earlier this week, Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. The sentencing has gotten social media users talking. While many users have condemned Lanez, others have continued to come to his defense. Lanez’ collaborator Mario also took to social media previously, defending his decision to work with him. Allegedly, he even wrote a letter in support of Tory Lanez to the judge.

“As an independent artist doing his thing, it’s a lot of artists who don’t work as hard as he do,” Mario began on Instagram Live. “Regardless of whatever, the music is what it is,” he then says. “You still listen to music regardless of what’s going on in the world.” “The music is what you love people for,” he adds, “we’re going to keep the energy positive.”

Read More: Mario Barrett Net Worth 2023: What Is The R&B Crooner Worth?

Mario Defends Working With Tory Lanez

A photo of the letter allegedly written by Mario to the judge surfaced recently, where he appears to cite Lanez’ work ethic, family, and more. “When Tory first became a father,” the letter says, “I remember a conversation about everything he wanted to leave for his child someday.” “I have never seen Tory act out of character in a manner to hurt someone,” it also reads. “We’ve spoken on the phone many times and prayed with each other. All I can ask and pray for is that he and his son are treated fairly.”

Now, several social media users are calling Mario out, claiming that it was a bad move to come to Lanez’ defense. Some believe that showing support for the artist could even be detrimental to his own career. “He fumbled his comeback at the 1 yard line over Tory Lanez,” one Twitter user writes. Others have also started to bring up Mario’s own past, claiming that they’re not surprised he’s on Lanez’ side. “Mario is a great songwriter. Writing a letter to a judge? Not so much,” a Twitter user adds.

Read More: Tory Lanez Will Have A Year Shaven Off Of His Sentence

[Via]

The post Mario Receives Backlash For Allegedly Writing Letter To Judge In Support Of Tory Lanez appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Donald Trump Rants About Judge Who Denied Extension Request: “NO WAY!!!”

by

Donald Trump recently hopped on Truth Social, going on a strongly worded rant about Jack Smith and Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. The former president appeared in court for his third indictment recently, and Special Counsel Smith requested that a protective order be issued. The protective order is supposed to limit what Trump and his team can say publicly about the case. Chutkan then ordered Trump’s team to respond by Monday (August 7), and to pitch any amendments. Trump’s team later asked for an extension, which the judge denied. Based on his recent posts, Trump doesn’t appear too happy about it.

“THERE IS NO WAY I CAN GET A FAIR TRIAL WITH THE JUDGE ‘ASSIGNED’ TO THE RIDICULOUS FREEDOM OF SPEECH/FAIR ELECTIONS CASE,” Trump wrote. ”EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS, AND SO DOES SHE! WE WILL BE IMMEDIATELY ASKING FOR RECUSAL OF THIS JUDGE ON VERY POWERFUL GROUNDS, AND LIKEWISE FOR VENUE CHANGE, OUT IF [sic] D.C.”

Read More: Donald Trump Crashes Wedding Hours After Entering Third Indictment Plea

Trump Says If He’s Elected He’ll Fire IRS Agents Hired By Joe Biden

He continued in another post, “DERANGED JACK SMITH AND OUR HIGHLY PARTISAN, AND VERY CORRUPT, DEPARTMENT OF INJUSTICE, COULD HAVE BROUGHT THIS BIDIN ‘OPPONENT’ CASE YEARS AGO, BUT CHOSE TO WAIT AND BRING IT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY ELECTION CAMPAIGN. NO WAY!!!” “I HOPE YOU ARE WATCHING AMERICA,” he also wrote. “OUR COUNTRY IS BEING DESTROYED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Chutkan’s been met with a ton of backlash from Trump’s supporters in recent days, which is to be expected. She’s previously given out sentences to rioters from the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack, and was appointed by Barack Obama. With that being said, Trump’s new rant serves as a great example as to why the protective order was requested. In other Trump news, he also recently claimed he’d fire IRS agents hired by President Joe Biden if elected. “I will say ‘no’ to 87,000 IRS agents who want to take your money and destroy your lives,” he told a crowd.

Read More: Plies Roasts Donald Trump Over Latest Indictment: “Pw*ssy Azz Trump!!!!”

[Via][Via]

The post Donald Trump Rants About Judge Who Denied Extension Request: “NO WAY!!!” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Mustard Ordered By Court To Pay $24K In Monthly Child Support Payments

by

A recent court decision ended up working out in Mustard’s favor when it comes to his child support battle with his ex Chanel Thierry. Moreover, Thierry sought for the producer and DJ to cough up $82,628 in monthly child support payments for their three children. However, according to court documents obtained by The Blast, he will only have to pay $24,500 each month, and other elements of the divorce process also panned to his benefit. For example, upon verifying the couple’s prenuptial agreements, the court ruled that he will keep many of his assets. These include his cars, house, properties, jewelry, and music royalties.

In addition, Thierry will not receive any further amounts in spousal support as part of their agreement. Instead, she received a one-time payment of $315,000 that is meant to cover what the support would’ve been. As far as other divided expenses, Thierry will pay for half of the children’s school and medical expenses, whereas Mustard will pay for their extracurricular endeavors. With these compromises in mind, it seems like the year-long process is finally wrapping up for the former couple.

Read More: Mustard Shows Off Dramatic Weight Loss Journey

Mustard Child Support Dispute Sees Resolution

Still, it doesn’t mean that all history vanished between the two, as they’ve addressed each other during all this. Furthermore, Thierry broke her silence concerning her and Mustard’s split shortly after they announced it. “Thank you for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers,” she wrote on Instagram. “Anyone that followed me or knows me personally knows my family means the world to me. I’ve [dedicated] 12 loyal years and it is more [than] heartbreaking to see things end.”

Meanwhile, she also seemingly addressed the producer being with a new girl by sharing a TikTok of Megan Thee Stallion on IG. “Anybody try to play with me, nine times out of ten, they’re gonna get their feelings hurt,” Meg says in the clip. “You wanna make me jealous? Not gonna work. I’m a bad b***h. Were you going after this? You tried to piss me off? Not gonna work. I’m naturally happy. Like, you don’t dictate my happiness. You know what I’m saying? I was happy before you got here. I’m gonna be happy when you leave. Like, I’m gonna still be me at the end of the day.” For more news and the latest updates on Mustard, stick around on HNHH.

Read More: Mustard’s Estranged Wife Chanel Calls Him “Bitter”

The post Mustard Ordered By Court To Pay $24K In Monthly Child Support Payments appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Soulja Boy Lucks Out In Civil Case With Ex-Girlfriend Over Awarded Damages

by

Back in April, a judge awarded Soulja Boy’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers $235,900 in punitive damages in their civil case. For those unaware, Myers sued the rapper for alleged assault and kidnapping at a 2019 party at his home in Malibu, and emerged victorious when the case went to jury. Moreover, Soulja’s team sought a new trial after this development, pointing to jury misconduct as a crucial reason to reevaluate the trial. Apparently, these wishes might see some fulfillment according to a recent report from MyNewsLA on the legal matter. Furthermore, Judge Mark Epstein of California expressed concern on Thursday (June 29) that jurors lacked important evidence and information in the case.

In particular, this evidence and information refers to Soulja Boy’s financial affairs, such as income, saving, expenses, and debt. In fact, Epstein stated that Myers did not present any evidence of these factors in her initial suit, and that the lack such information should’ve halted the case from proceeding. “The court is concerned that, absent at least some evidence on this point, the issue should never have gone to the jury,” a judicial clerk wrote according to the outlet’s report. The court scheduled a hearing for July 21 to discuss the issue.

Read More: Soulja Boy Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?

Soulja Boy Performing At The 2023 BET Awards

Soulja Boy Civil Case Ex Girlfriend Damages
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Soulja Boy (C) performs onstage during the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Nevertheless, until that hearing comes to a conclusion, Myers still won her lawsuit and can stand by that verdict. The jury in this case granted punitive damages for “physical and mental pain and suffering,” with additional funds for healthcare expenses. “We’re pleased with the jury’s verdict,” prosecutor Max Engelhardt remarked at the time. “[Soulja Boy] assaulted and terrorized Kayla, and that was borne out by the evidence and testimony. The punitive damages were substantial, and hopefully, they will serve as a lesson to Mr. Way that his celebrity status is not a license to commit violence.”

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old is still up to his usual antics online, even amid these pressing legal matters. For example, he recently participated in a hilarious livestream with TikTok star Terri Joe where she made some bold claims about their… interactions. We have to wait a few weeks to see where this case lands, but we’re sure that he will keep being himself in the meantime. On that note, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and more updates on Soulja Boy.

Read More: Soulja Boy Discusses Previous Bow Wow Beef: “We Was Young”

[via]

The post Soulja Boy Lucks Out In Civil Case With Ex-Girlfriend Over Awarded Damages appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Tory Lanez Reportedly Begs Judge To Not “Ruin His Life” Ahead Of New Trial Ruling

by

Tomorrow, the world will know whether Tory Lanez will receive a new trial in his case against Megan Thee Stallion, whom Lanez was found guilty of shooting. Moreover, he and his team have vehemently denied these claims and fought back against the verdict. On Monday (May 8), Judge Herriford adjourned a long hearing where both sides made their cases, whether for a new proceeding or sticking by the original ruling. Furthermore, reporter Meghann Cuniff gave some updates via Twitter about what went down towards the hearing’s end.

“Court just let out for the day,” Cuniff wrote. “Judge Herriford is going to issue his ruling tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. Tory Lanez spoke to him before he was led out in handcuffs. ‘Please don’t ruin my life. I could be your son. I could be your brother,” Lanez told the judge, who is Black. There wasn’t a commotion. A sheriff’s deputy was urging Lanez to shut up but it wasn’t a big thing. Herriford didn’t say anything back and Lanez was led out of the courtroom without incident. This followed loooong argument this afternoon. More details soon.”

Read More: Remember When Drake & Tory Lanez Were Beefing?

Tory Lanez Pleaded With Judge To Grant Him New Trial: Report

In addition, the reporter also detailed some of the argument’s that Tory Lanez’s defense team had when arguing for another trial. One thing that stood out to Cuniff was defense attorney Jose Baez stating that the love triangle story between him, Megan, and Kylie Jenner hurt the defense unfairly. Not only that, but he believed that it came up solely because it played into the District Attorney’s narrative that the 30-year-old is a misogynistic rapper. However, he didn’t point out that his defense hinged on Kelsey Harris shooting Meg out of jealousy over their “shared romantic interest.”

Also, Cuniff wrote that another attorney boldly argued that the jurors shouldn’t have heard the name “Tory Lanez” throughout trial, as it’s a creative expression. The judge pointed out that his own lawyer referred to him as such in court proceedings. Another big takeaway according to the reporter is that the claim that Lanez’s DNA is excluded from the gun does not stem from new evidence. Instead, it’s from a new analyst who examined the same DNA evidence prosecutors accessed. For the latest updates on this story, make sure to keep checking in with HNHH.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion Reflects On Tory Lanez’s Guilty Verdict

Coolio’s Longtime Manager Takes Over His Estate With No Will In Sight

by

After no will was found, the fate of Coolio’s earthly possessions hung in the balance after his untimely passing. However, reports indicate that the court appointed control of his estate to his longtime manager Jarel “Jarez” Posey. According to RadarOnline, a Las Vegas judge approved of Posey’s petition of access to the “Gangsta’s Paradise” MC’s assets. More specifically, the court appointed him as a special administrator, meaning that they now tasked him with collecting residuals and taking charge of the estate’s financial matters.

In Posey’s petition, he took note of the fact that the estate was divided between his children due to lack of a will. However, he wanted to obtain appointment as executor to avoid “waste and/or loss of the personal property of [Coolio]. Specifically, the estate is believed to include personal property and demand deposit accounts, financial accounts, insurance policies and royalties, all of which need to be marshaled and protected on behalf of the estate.” In his opinion, the court must allow him to “access monies from Decedent’s personal property and accounts and the same shall be placed in the attorney’s IOLTA Trust Account until further ordered by the Court.”

Coolio’s Estate Entrusted With His Longtime Manager

Rapper Coolio in October, 2000 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)

According to the court documents in question, authorities approved all of Posey’s requests. With his proximity to Coolio in mind, the decision to entrust the estate with him is understandable. Despite that, questions arose when it comes to what his children will receive. Furthermore, it was Posey who told TMZ of the coroner’s report concerning the California rapper’s tragic loss. According to the medical official, he had a mixture of fentanyl, methamphetamines, and heroin in his system. Additional reports concerning the circumstances of his passing only make it that much more somber.

Still, Coolio’s legacy will live on far beyond his death, whether through his loved ones or his music. In fact, following his first posthumous release, fans are anticipating his posthumous album, LONG LIVE COOLIO. Reportedly, features on the full-length project include Treach of Naughty By Nature, Too $hort, and others. With that in mind, return to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Coolio.

[via]