jurors

Young Thug Trial Hit With Serious Security Breach As Four Jurors Identified

by

Young Thug is currently on trial in the YSL RICO case. Overall, this is a case that has been going on since May of 2022. At the time, Gunna, Thugger, and many others were arrested. However, since that time, many have been freed, including Gunna. Now, Thug has to stand trial and it has already proven to be a bit of a mess. The first few days in court have been filled with burden-shifting, anime references, and service dogs. It has been a wild time, and no one knows what to really make of it.

Unfortunately, things got a whole lot worse yesterday as there was a livestream crew working inside the courtroom. During the testimony of Detective Mark Belknap, the camera panned a bit too far to the left. Subsequently, the faces of a few jurors were captured. After No Jumper posted the video to social media, people began identifying the jurors by name. This is an absolute nightmare scenario, and Judge Ural Glanville had to confirm that this did, indeed, happen.

Read More: Young Thug “BUSINESS IS BUSINESS” Review

Young Thug Trial Continues

MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 17: Young Thug celebrates Futures birthday at Versace Mansion on November 17, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Freebandz )

Overall, this forced Glanville’s hand completely. He subsequently told the film crew that they had to stop filming, immediately. Otherwise, things could have gotten very bad. Moving forward, there is a bit of confusion as to what will happen next. For the most part, it seems like the jurors will stay on, at least for now. However, if they feel uncomfortable with continuing on, there are a plethora of backup jurors that can be used in this scenario.

Regardless, this is an unfortunate mistake that could very dire real-world implications. Hopefully, everyone is okay and this doesn’t happen ever again. Let us know what you think about this development, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.

Read More: Gunna Reposts Young Thug’s Countdown On Instagram

[Via]

The post Young Thug Trial Hit With Serious Security Breach As Four Jurors Identified appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YNW Melly Jurors May Remain Anonymous In Retrial

by

There have been plenty of crossovers between crime and hip-hop so far in 2023. Unfortunately for the rappers involved, most of the proceedings have been slow-moving. Of course, Young Thug is still waiting for jury selection in the YSL RICO trial to wrap up. Elsewhere, YNW Melly was shockingly granted a mistrial in the summer. He and his defense team are now busy preparing for the prosecution’s retrial regarding the double murder of YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser.

The first time around, the jury’s identity wasn’t concealed. After Melly’s co-defendant, YNW Bortlen, was arrested on witness tampering charges earlier this month, however, a motion has been filed to keep the next round of jurors anonymous in order to protect them. As the Sun Sentinel reports, authorities uncovered “a notebook containing names and physical descriptions of the jury from [Melly’s] first trial.” In their request, prosecutors also noted that “There is evidence that suggests potential or seated jurors in the upcoming jury trial will be subjected to improper outside influences or harassment.”

Read More: YNW Melly And YNW Bortlen Witness Tampering Charges Get New Details

YNW Melly Anxiously Awaits His Next Trial

As AllHipHop notes, selection for the Florida artist’s retrial was expected to begin on Monday (October 9). Ultimately, though, Judge John Murphy pushed things back to take a closer look at a request from the defense. Previously, they alleged that the prosecution withheld evidence in Melly’s first trial. They’re now asking for the case to be dismissed entirely, or for the Broward State Attorney’s Office to be removed. On Tuesday, a pre-trial hearing was postponed due to one of the “Murder On My Mind” hitmaker’s attorneys falling ill.

Even with the odds stacked against him, YNW Melly seems confident that he’ll once again be a free man when all is said and done. Earlier this month, the embattled artist wrote an open letter to his father, declaring that he sees himself winning his double murder trial in the end. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: YNW Melly Pens Letter To His Father, Says He Will Win Trial

[Via] [Via]

The post YNW Melly Jurors May Remain Anonymous In Retrial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

XXXTENTACION Trial Update: Jurors Want To Review Suspects’ Text Messages

by

As the world awaits the verdict on the XXXTENTACION murder trial, jurors want to review the defendants’ text messages. Moreover, these updates relate to codefendants Michael Boatwright and Dedrick Williams, as the jury wants to review their communication. However, it’s important to consider that the jury went out for deliberation on Wednesday (March 8) and have deliberated for over 12 hours, though it’s unclear if that time refers to today (March 13) or overall. Still, jurors want to see their text communications as well as videos, photos, or screenshots from the day before the murder to the day of the murder.

Moreover, this trial faced an exhausting and painstaking process, causing many to reflect on the five years that have passed since X’s loss. For example, the defense team tried very hard to get Drake involved in this case, as they claimed he orchestrated the whole ordeal. After significant pushback from both the court of law and the court of public opinion, officials dismissed said motions. However, it remains a permeating and odd conspiracy online, as some subliminal bars are scarily coincidental.

XXXTENTACION Trial Jurors Want Text Message Evidence Shown To Jury

Regardless, the trial underwent some big changes from its inception. Another big development across the case was one of the four original codefendants becoming a state’s witness. Also, DNA evidence points to another person entirely being responsible for the murder outside of a motorcycle shop in Florida. At least, that’s what the defendants’ attorneys claim in an effort to prove their clients’ innocence. “Whoever [XXXTENTACION] struggled with is not in this courtroom,” he told officials. “The DNA proves that someone not named Michael Boatwright or Trayvon Newsome participated in this murder.”

Meanwhile, the court clarified that while the three codefendants on trial are tried together, their convictions are separate. As such, perhaps they (including defendant Trayvon Newsome) won’t all be convicted. However, they could all face upwards of life in prison, with the possibility of changes, reversals, or reductions looking slim. Overall, there’s not much else left in this case but to await their fate. With that in mind, stay logged into HNHH for the latest updates on the XXXTENTACION murder trial and jury.

Young Thug’s YSL RICO Trial Will Reportedly Call 1,200 Potential Jurors

by

Young Thug’s RICO trial will reportedly call 1,200 potential jurors for evaluation, according to legal documents obtained by AllHipHop. While authorities arrested Thug and the rest of the YSL codefendants almost a year ago, the trial still isn’t underway. Moreover, it’s been subject to a lengthy and delayed jury selection process, which is no closer to completion after hundreds of participants. Furthermore, this selection process could take several more months, which only means more time behind bars in this high-profile case.

Still, the documents read as such: “The Jury Clerk shall send a sufficient number of subpoenas to result in the appearance of an additional 1200 prospective trial jurors: 300 on February 24, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.; 300 on March 17, 2023 at 9:30 AM; 300 on April 28, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.; and 300 on May 19, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. The prospective jurors will watch a pre-recorded reading of the indictment for this case and hear preliminary jury instructions from Chief Judge Glanville on these respective dates.” In addition, prospective jurors will have to answer a questionnaire from the court under oath and participate in “potential hardships” examinations, which aim to identify factors such as mental or physical disability.

Young Thug Trial Evaluating 1,200 Jurors

Meanwhile, Thugger’s list of witnesses includes accomplished music executives Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles. While his trial seems no closer to completion than it was months ago, at least he has people on his side. In the months left in the jury selection process, perhaps they’ll take advantage of the extra time to really think about what will go down- and how they’ll go about it. Meanwhile, many on social media and beyond are concerned for a witness’s life after an interrogation video leaked. Afterwards, many called the witness a rat and threatened his safety.

“This is a murder that’s about to take place with some very hot people,” they said in the leak. “And [inaudible] the stuff that I know right now should be able to help me get out my situation.” While it’s unclear whether this report refers to Lil Woody, if it’s not, that was another case of alleged snitching that many threatened. “It puts people’s lives in danger,” Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis stated. “My worst fear is that it is used as an intimidating tactic and people might be hurt.” Also, she wants Judge Glanville to open an investigation into the leak, which many believe might’ve come from the defense. However, defense attorney Keith Adams denied such claims, and pushed back on the D.A. wanting to restrict court access to the video. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest on Young Thug and the YSL RICO case.

[via] [via]

Young Thug Trial Update: Judge Excuses Several Jurors

by

A judge excused several jurors involved in the YSL case from their duties. The judge overseeing the trial involving Young Thug made the decision after hearing of the hardships they faced since proceedings began.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 01: Young Thug performs during 2021 Lollapalooza at Grant Park on August 01, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage,)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 01: Young Thug performs during 2021 Lollapalooza at Grant Park on August 01, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage,)

Per AJC journalist Jozsef Papp who has been covering the Young Thug trial, several jurors explained that they’ve undergone medical procedures and a loss of income since jury selection began. Papp reported that the judge excused 10 jurors so far.

“We have started to hear hardships. Juror #230 has been excused after providing proper documentation; Juror #354 has been excused after having surgery a couple of weeks ago,” Papp tweeted.

Papp also reported another juror had plans to travel before the trial. The judge gave the green light to the juror, though they’ll need to provide proper documentation.

“Juror #153 is in Egypt and then to India; travel was booked in advance. Judge asked him to come back with proper documentation to be excused,” Papp wrote.

A fourth juror was also excused from the YSL trial after losing income.

“He is a streamer, switched games and lost a lot of money and viewership. Has been doing @UberEats to mitigate. He was speaking fast so judge asked him to slow down. ‘It’s not an auction,’ Glanville said,” Papp tweeted.

It’s been a chaotic week in the courtroom during the YSL trial. Last week, a hearing ended early after a co-defendant appeared to hand a pill to Young Thug. Authorities later took the defendant to a hospital after allegedly trying to ingest the remainder of the drugs on him. However, Thug’s attorney said the judge cleared Young Thug of wrongdoing.

We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding the case.

YSL Case: Juror Reportedly Skipped Court For Dominican Republic Trip

by

As if this case couldn’t take another twist, a juror in the YSL trial involving Young Thug has come under fire. Jury selection has been an arduous process, as a reported 600 potential jurors have been questioned. Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Jozsef Papp has kept the public updated on the selection, and on Twitter, he shared an eyebrow-raising update about Juror #64.

According to Papp, much of today’s hearing in the YSL case focused on potential jurors hardships. Some were pardoned due to work or personal reasons, but others were pushed forward in the selection process.

Read More: YSL Trial: Potential Juror Tried To Contact Young Thug’s Attorney’s Law Firm

The second panel of 200 jurors was looked into, including a Paralympics athlete training for 2024. That person was reportedly excused from duty. Further, an APS teacher was denied, reported Papp, after stating she suffered from neck and back problems.

However, the more startling report was about Juror #64, who didn’t show up to the hearing at all.

“We are getting update on juror #64, who did report the first day last week but didn’t report yesterday,” Papp tweeted. “After deputies went to her address, she wasn’t there. Her grandmother told deputies she wasn’t there.”

Read More: Young Thug, YSL RICO Case Could Last 6 To 9 Months: Report

“Deputies were able to get in contact with her,” he continued. “And she told them she was in the Dominican Republic and won’t return until tomorrow night.”

“Judge Glanville said she wants her taken to jail or to his courtroom, if court is still in session, upon her return to Atlanta.”

Meanwhile, as the jurors were questioned, reports state the judge advised them that the YSL case could take six to nine months. Additionally, eight of Young Thug’s co-defendants, including Gunna, have already taken plea deals.

[via]

Young Thug, YSL RICO Case Could Last 6 To 9 Months: Report

by

As one case ends, Young Thug and the RICO case against YSL is underway. We recently saw the dramatic conclusion of Tory Lanez’s shooting trial. As updates about his sentencing unfold on social media, jury selection for Young Thug’s case has taken over headlines. We’ve steadily reported on the plea deals eight of Young Thug’s associates have agreed to in recent months. Gunna was the most notable for taking a plea, admitting in court that YSL is a criminal street gang, and earning his freedom before the holidays.

Meanwhile, Thugger remains incarcerated as prosecutors have named him as the alleged leader of YSL. There have been reports stating Young Thug will not be offered a plea, and instead, investigators are targeting him specifically.

Read More: Young Thug’s Jury Selection Begins Today In RICO Trial

It’s reported that approximately 600 potential jurors have already been vetted, and the experience has been tiring. The questionnaire candidates filled out was shared online, as was information about the hardships they would face if called on.

As expected, many were immediately dismissed. The judge clarified that this trial could last between six to nine months, as there are 14 co-defendants.

Read More: Reese LAFLARE Reacts To News Outlet Using His Photo Instead Of Young Thug’s

Meanwhile, Gunna has been taking hits from the public—and a few of his peers—since his release. His attorney said the rapper wouldn’t be testifying against Thug, but that hasn’t quelled the criticism. Most recently, Tony Yayo also questioned Gunna’s first day out after the “Pushin P” rapper was filmed leaving jail and getting into a Maybach with a woman.

Despite the pushback, Gunna’s supporters have defended his choice. Also, heck out more from the courtroom in the YSL case above and Gunna returning to freedom below.

[via]

Young Thug YSL Trial’s Juror Questionnaires Revealed: Report

by

Reporters revealed the juror questionnaires for Young Thug’s upcoming trial in the YSL RICO case. Moreover, hundreds of potential jurors filled these out and continue to submit them. Some of the questions included in the questionnaire have surfaced online as the jury selection process continues. While this may seem minimal to those unfamiliar, it could seriously impact Thugger’s verdict in the long run.

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 15: Young Thug performs during Gunna Presents New Album “DS4EVER” Concert at The Masquerade on January 15, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

WSB-TV (Channel 2) reported on Thursday (January 5th) that over 200 potential jurors have responded to the form. More specifically, the questionnaire contains over 250 questions. Michael Seiden of Channel 2 highlighted some of the most interesting examples, in his opinion.

Here are some examples of the questions included in the questionnaire. “Do you listen to hip-hop or rap? Have you ever head of record label “YSL-Young Stoner Life”? Have you heard of Lil Wayne or Birdman, have you posted anything about this case on social media? Do you have an opinion about a person who has head and neck tattoos?

“Do you have an opinion about a person who has dreadlocks or tattoos?” Seiden’s Twitter post displayed. It also included “Do you have an opinion about a person who ‘flashes’ guns, cash, or “gang signs”? Do you or anyone you know own any ‘Slime Life’ paraphernalia? Are you familiar with these rappers: Rayshawn Bennett, under the name ‘YFN Lucci,’ Jeffery Williams, under the name ‘Young Thug,’ Serio Kitchens, under the name ‘Gunna,’ [or] Bryan Williams, under the name ‘Birdman’?”

Meanwhile, potential jurors sat down on Thursday to watch Ural D. Glanville read the whole 95-page indictment against the 14 accused 14 YSL members. Afterwards, on Friday, 200 more possible jury members repeated the process. However, according to Seiden’s reports, both sides of the court will cut jurors from the list. Furthermore, he stated they hope to have a set jury by the end of February. Moreover, Judge Glanville said the trial could last as long as a year.

Still, what do you think of these juror questionnaires in the case of Young Thug and YSL? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the latest updates on this case.

[via]