jury selection

Jam Master Jay’s Murder Trial Enters Jury Selection Phase

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The trial for Run DMC member Jam Master Jay’s murder is finally getting underway more than 20 years after it happened. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were first indicted for the murder back in 2020. Jay Bryant was also charged for his murder last year, though his trial isn’t due to start until much mater. With opening statements due to begin next week, an important part of the process for the upcoming trial got underway earlier today. Jury selection for the case began as the prosecution and defense will slim down a pool of jurors to those who will decide the fate of Jordan and Washington.

Prosecutors allege that the murder happened as a result of a disagreement over a drug deal. They claim that the three men in question entered Jay’s studio in New York. Once there they claim Jordan fatally shot him in the head from close range. Opening statements in the trial of Jordan and Washington are scheduled to begin on January 29. Both pleaded not guilty in order to take their chances at trial. Bryant, the third man accused, is being tried separately after his lawyer claims he can prove his innocence. He also claims that the other two defendants would turn on him if all three were tried together.

Read More: DMC On “Drink Champs”: Hall Of Fame, Adidas, Addiction, Jam Master Jay & Much More

Jury Selection Begins For Jam Master Jay’s Murder Trial

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 05: Darryl McDaniels and Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons of the Hip Hop group “Run DMC” are seen at a photoshoot for Adidas in front of a Jam Master Jay mural by Kenya D. Lawton in Hollis Avenue, Queens. on October 05, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

For the trial of the first two men accused they’re looking for a unique jury approach. The prosecution requested the rare move of a split jury made up of two entirely separate groups. What do you think of the long-awaited murder trial of Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers getting under way soon? Do you think they’ll be found guilty of his murder? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Rev Run Recalls Jam Master Jay Hearing Public Enemy For The First Time: “God Has Come Down From Heaven”

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Young Thug’s Jury Selection Is Tomorrow, Trial Set For November As D.A. Fani Willis Faces Threats

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It’s been a hot minute since any major updates regarding Young Thug’s future have come out of Atlanta. However, on Tuesday (October 31) evening, it was confirmed that his trial isn’t far off from starting. After spending the better part of 2023 hunting down a suitable pool of 50 jury candidates, on Wednesday, 12 of them will be picked (along with six alternates) to listen to prosecutor Fani Willis and her team’s RICO case against YSL.

Journalist Jozsef Papp shared the update via Twitter. He specifically noted November 27 as the planned start date for the highly anticipated trial. Thug has been showered with support from longtime friends, collaborators, and fans while behind bars. Still, this time likely hasn’t been easy on his mental health. Seeing as he’s sitting with several co-defendants, it’s likely the legal proceedings will stretch on for some time. Nevertheless, Thugger remains confident in his ability to return home with a clean name.

Read More: Mariah The Scientist Says Young Thug’s “The One,” Opens Up About His Incarceration

Young Thug Finally Gets Good News

As he keeps himself occupied by playing Candy Crush behind bars, AllHipHop reports that Willis is facing concerning threats thanks to ongoing cases with both Thug and former POTUS, Donald Trump. The Fulton County DA claims to be receiving “hundreds” of inappropriate messages daily. Her staff is working overtime to track down the aggressors.

One of them, an Alabama resident named Arthur Ray Hansen II, has even been indicted thanks to his threats aimed at Willis and Patrick Labat, the local sheriff. “If you think you gonna take a mugshot of my President Donald Trump and it’s gonna be ok, you gonna find out that after you take that mugshot, some bad s**t probably gonna happen to you,” one voicemail the latter received says, according to the indictment.

Read More: Donald Trump Seemingly Accuses Fani Willis Of Having A Sexual Relationship With YSL Mondo

Prosecutor Fani Willis Facing Threats from MAGA Supporters

Unfortunately, they’ve become accustomed to messages like this and have even received similar ones from Young Thug’s fans in the past. Are you looking forward to keeping up with the YSL RICO trial? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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Young Thug & YSL RICO Trial’s Jury Selection Breaks Georgia Record For Length

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The RICO trial of Young Thug and YSL is still moving very slowly as a result of a lengthy jury selection process. Although other factors affected this case, this is a major part of court proceedings that’s taken longer than expected, resulting in a delay of the commencement of the actual trial. In fact, this is such a long-lasting procedure so far that it broke the record for the longest jury selection in Georgia’s history. Of course, this isn’t that surprising when you look at the wider context of this case and the actors involved in it. Given its high-profile nature and wide proliferation online, it can be difficult to accurately identify biases in potential jurors, let alone pick individuals without one.

Furthermore, this pushback resulted in these YSL codefendants waiting patiently for their trial to begin. During this time, the court severed some from the trial, whereas others like Young Thug face low-standard humanitarian care. This includes the quality of meals provided, access to sunlight, and other health factors that these delays exacerbate. As such, many fans are looking to this jury selection process as the last big obstacle before authorities can seal these individuals’ fate.

Read More: Young Thug Reportedly Wants Killer Mike, T.I., & Lyor Cohen On The Witness Stand

Jury Selection In YSL RICO Trial Is Longest In Georgia’s History

However, jury selection involves a lot of moving parts, some of which might not work out in Young Thug and YSL’s favor. For example, prosecutors recently requested the removal of a particular potential juror after they tracked him for weeks. Apparently, he didn’t live in Fulton County as he promised, and this instance makes it clear that the prosecution will be thorough and strict with their evaluations. With protocols like these, it could take even longer for a jury to settle, something we’ve been saying for far too long.

Meanwhile, every other aspect of the RICO trial is in limbo at the moment, with all eyes on the jury selection. Hopefully this process wraps up soon and the court can finally get to the meat of this case. After all, many lives and families depend on it, and suffered for over a year to get to this frustrating point. For more news and the latest updates on Young Thug and the YSL RICO trial, keep checking in with HNHH.

Read More: Young Thug’s Candy Crush Addiction Keeping Him Sane In Jail, Mariah The Scientist Says

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YNW Melly Jury Selection Begins This Week, XXXTENTACION Prosecutor Added To Trial

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Most of the rappers we keep up with in their 20s are living young, wild, and free, performing at music festivals, attending lavish parties, and shopping at designer stores. YNW Melly, on the other hand, has spent the entirety of his 20s behind bars. Unfortunately even after a mistrial was declared in his double murder trial this past summer. Jury selection for his next fight for freedom is due to begin in Broward County on Wednesday (October 18). There’s been a notable change on the prosecution’s side of things that could seriously shake the retrial up.

As The Fader reports, Assistant State Attorney Kristine Bradley is being replaced by a familiar face who played a big part in the XXXTENTACION’s murder trial. Prosecutor Alixandra Buckelew will be up against Melly in the courtroom later this year. Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy made the call to recuse Bradley last week. The latter decision came after the “Murder on My Mind” hitmaker’s defense team filed a motion requesting the county’s entire State Attorney’s Office be removed from the case.

Read More: YNW Melly’s Prosecutors Call His Defense Team “Flawed”

YNW Melly’s First Prosecutor Replaced by Alixandra Buckelew

Last week, Assistant State Attorney Michelle Boutros testified that Detective Mark Moretti (lead investigator on the Melly case) insisted a local deputy “lie about being present when the search warrant” on the accused killer’s mother’s phone went down. According to the prosecution, these comments weren’t serious, but still, the defense had valid reasons to raise their concerns. Buckelew made an attempt to delay the trial’s start date. However, thanks to speedy trial rights, Melly will be back in court in the coming days.

As we previously reported, YNW Bortlen’s jury description maps being discovered by authorities means that the next batch of people selected to decide his and YNW Melly’s fate could potentially remain anonymous. This is, of course, to protect their identities and maintain the integrity of the trial. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: YNW Melly Jurors May Remain Anonymous In Retrial

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FBG Duck Murder Trial Jury Selection Underway

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It’s been three years since FBG Duck’s murder in 2020 and the story is still the subject of so much public intrigue. Part of that comes from the continued revelations made by investigations in to the murder both by the public and by the legal system. Just over the weekend Duck’s mother opener up about his passing in an interview where she reflected on the final day they spent together. She also responded to the rumors that King Von had placed a $100k bounty on Duck, which she claims were true and have been proven.

Earlier this week the legal proceedings for his trial began, starting with jury selection. According to AllHipHop around 150 prospective jurors will be thinned down to a group of 12. They’ll oversee the trial of six different alleged gang members who have been charged with the murder of FBG Duck. The six are reportedly members of a rival gang and prosecutors claim that they publicly took credit for the murder afterward. That mirrored something Duck’s mother insinuated in her recent interview. She also explained that her sons killers had been “telling on themselves” publicly.

Read More: FBG Duck’s Mom Says She’s “Proud” Of Lil Durk For Trying To “Stop The Violence”

FBG Duck Murder Trial Underway

Back in August, rumors emerged that Lil Durk may be connected to the FBG Duck case. Allegedly, files from an FBI informant which somehow made the rounds online identified both Durk and his brother as being involved with the case. That would go counter to the narrative Durk has been pushing about it recently. His message has been that the violence needs to be stopped.

Much of the information relating to Duck’s murder has been made public through his mother. She’s talked extensively about who she thinks was involved, most notably King Von. She’s also spoken on how she believes the events unfolded including how Duck’s location was revealed in the first place. What do you think of the newest developments in the murder trial of FBG Duck? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: FYB J Mane Flexes New FBG Duck Tribute Tattoo

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Young Thug Sees Little Progress In YSL RICO Trial, Jury Selection Moving At Snail’s Pace

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Young Thug was arrested alongside Gunna and over two dozen others back in May of 2022. Overall, these individuals were all hit with RICO charges. Since that time, many of these men have been released. However, this has come with a lot of criticism and some accusations of snitching. Gunna knows this all too well as numerous artists in hip-hop have decided to never work with him again. As for Thugger, well, he is still waiting to go to trial. Unfortunately, things are moving incredibly slowly.

It seems like Young Thug is in the courtroom every single day. His lawyers are doing everything they can to make sure this trial is a speedy one. After all, it is every individual’s right to have a speedy trial. If they are not granted that, then there is an argument to be made that the prosecution is acting in bad faith. Regardless, Thugger is in a bind right now, and as it turns out, things are not getting much better. According to Jozsef Papp of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, there is an update in the case, although one that just leads to more waiting.

Read More: Gunna Shows Love To Young Thug At First Post-Jail Show

Young Thug Plays The Waiting Game

In the tweet above, you can see that there are two more jurors who have been qualified to partake in the trial. So far, over 30 people have been approved. However, none of them have actually officially been selected and seated. Instead, qualified jurors have to wait over a month just to be contacted again. From there, they will narrow down the pool and make a decision on who will get to be part of this RICO trial. This is a very tricky case, so it is no surprise that jury selection is taking an incredibly long time.

Hopefully, for Young Thug and others, the process begins to get faster over these coming weeks. In the meantime, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates regarding the trial. We will always keep you informed. Additionally, let us know what you think of these proceedings, in the comments section below.

Read More: Young Thug’s Lawyer Seeks To Remove YSL Polo From RICO Trial Due To His Behavior

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YSL RICO Trial: Jury Selection To Continue Next Week

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Jury selection is set to continue between August 7 and 10 in the sprawling YSL RICO trial in Georgia. At the time of writing, 108 potential jurors have been assessed. Per Jozef Papp of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 4 saw two jurors assessed. Juror 106 was excused due to hardship. The man’s wife had narrowly avoided the spree killing committed by Brian Nichols at Fulton County Courthouse in 2005. Meanwhile, Juror 108 was deemed suitable for the jury pool. Despite attending Young Thug concerts and knowing some of the defendant’s family members, Judge Glanville believed the man when he said he could be fair and impartial.

However, the next two weeks appear to be very busy in the case. “#YSL Jury selection will continue over the next week (Aug. 7-10). Hearing relating to attorney Eric Johnson on Aug. 11. Judge Glanville was asked about the following week (Aug. 14-18) schedule – “There are some things that are playing out that I have to take into account,” Papp tweeted.

Read More: Young Thug’s lawyer demands exclusion of goat sacrifice evidence in rapper’s YSL trial

As indicated by Papp, Judge Glanville has devoted another three days in the coming week to jury selection. It is still unclear when the jury will be seated in the case. At the time of writing, jury selection has been progressing since January. However, next Friday (August 11) will be dedicated to a hearing related to Eric Johnson. Johnson had previously served as the attorney for YSL defendant Christian Eppinger. However, Johnson was taken into custody after it was discovered that he had allowed Eppinger to use his laptop to send messages to people out of custody. This included a Fulton County Deputy that Eppinger was romantically linked to and who was helping Eppinger run a smuggling ring.

However, it also appears that Glanville is predicting a disruption in the case starting the week of August 14. In all likelihood, this relates to the impending indictment of former President Donald Trump. President Trump is expected to receive new indictments in the state of Georgia after attempting to pressure state officials into overturning the state’s 2020 election results. Georgia’s voting for President Biden was a key factor in Trump’s loss. In the weeks that followed the election, claims and evidence emerged showing Trump attempting to force Georgia officials to change their election results to favor him.

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YNW Melly’s Jury Selection Continues As Murder Trial Looms

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Jury selection for the upcoming murder trial of YNW Melly has begun in Florida. The rapper faces the death penalty after being booked for two counts of first-degree murder in February 2019. After the jury is finalized, opening statements will begin shortly afterward.

Experts expect the selection process to be lengthy as Melly faces the death penalty if convicted. Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy recently sided with the state prosecutors’ motion to follow a new statute in the state that allows juries to recommend a death sentence with an 8-4 vote. In the past, jurors had to be unanimous on the decision.

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

YNW Melly’s Booking Photo

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)

In the four years since Melly’s initial arrest, he and his mother have provided updates on his case on social media. Earlier this year, his mom shared a heartfelt letter he penned from behind bars. “Hey ma, damn y’all made my night my whole month,” Melly wrote with hearts. “So glad I seen y’all. I hope y’all seen me. I know y’all did right when you went screamin ‘I SEE HIM’ they made you leave. [annoyed face] I’m so glad I seen you ma! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Tell Grandma & Silas I love them and appreciate them so much. It was good to see them as well.”

His mom added in the caption of the post: “I will always be here to make your darkest nights bright even if I have to bring the light to you son. I love you @ynwmelly so much my 1st born.” Be on the lookout for updates on Melly’s case in the coming weeks.

Read More: YNW Melly’s Mother Says She Expects Him Home In 2022

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[WATCH] Screaming Interrupts Jury Selection of YSL Trial, Courtroom Cleared

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Screams heard during YSL trial FOX 5 News 0 2 screenshot 1

The YSL trial’s court proceedings were a bit alarming on Wednesday when someone began screaming behind chamber doors during recess, disturbing those inside the courtroom.

According to WSB-TV, Young Thug was sitting in the middle of the courtroom at a table as the event unfolded. Three people were handcuffed in the courtroom.

Officers cleared the courtroom, later revealing defendant Rodalius Ryan, aka Lil Rod, was escorted out, and he began screaming from a holding cell. Defendants Christian Eppinger and Coradrius Dorsey then yelled to let him out of the cell.

“All of a sudden they take Mr. Ryan, the young child, I mean, he’s a kid, they take him to the back, and we can hear him screaming,” an Dorsey’s attorney told journalist Mark Winne. “We can hear him in the courtroom yelling for help. And we’re all confused.”

A jury has still not been selected.

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YNW Melly’s Trial Begins Jury Selection

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YNW Melly’s ongoing case regarding double-murder charges has officially begun jury selection and has a trial date set for June 5, 2023, according to his mother, Jamie King. King shared the news on her Instagram page, Monday night.

“Official update on @ynwmelly we started jury selection today and will continue over the next 2 weeks. Trial will start June 5, 2023 no more delays,” the post reads. “#mellyfree2023.” In the caption, King adds, “Melly coming home. Today I went to court expecting more delays but we started jury selection. I can’t explain how I feel my anxiety is everywhere but God got us. #mellyfree2023 @_ynwbslime got see his brother on his birthday first time in 4yrs.” One fan wrote in response to the post, “We miss u Melly.” Another remarked, “I’ve been waiting since 8th grade.”

Jamie King’s Update

Melly later confirmed the news in a post on his own Instagram page, calling on his fans to come support him in court. “I Got court Today for all my supporters that want to come show support this been a long journey,” he wrote. “God is on my side.”

YNW Melly’s mother has been sharing numerous updates on her son since he was imprisoned in 2019. Earlier this year, King posted a handwritten letter from the rapper. “Hey ma, damn y’all made my night my whole month,” Melly wrote with hearts. “So glad I seen y’all. I hope y’all seen me. I know y’all did right when you went screamin ‘I SEE HIM’ they made you leave. [annoyed face] I’m so glad I seen you ma! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Tell Grandma & Silas I love them and appreciate them so much. It was good to see them as well.”

Melly was originally arrested in Miramar, Florida for the October 2018 double murder of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy. He’s been in prison in the years since while awaiting trial for the alleged incident. Last year, he released a statement complaining about the harsh conditions he’s subject to behind bars. At that time, he claimed to be dealing with threats and abuse by jail staff. He added that he’s the only inmate with “no phone privilege, no television, and no access to a newspaper.”

YNW Melly’s Message For His Fans

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