murder case

YNW Melly Jury: One Woman’s Hesitation To Convict Reportedly Lead To Mistrial

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After watching endless chaos unfold during YNW Melly’s double murder trial earlier this summer, the Florida native was surprisingly granted a mistrial. His attorneys attempted to motion for one earlier on in proceedings and were ultimately denied. However, the jury’s failure to come to a consensus led the presiding judge to rule in Melly’s favour. Of course, this doesn’t mean he’s walking free. Rather, prosecutors will be re-trying the case again in the fall. An October court date was already set at the end of July.

Many who have been keeping up with the trial are curious as to know exactly what happened with the jury behind closed doors. Thankfully, Local 10 News finally has some answers. According to them, the majority of members were on board with convicting Melly. However, one woman in particular held her ground on defending the accused killer. “From day one, she had issues with the foreperson selected, at one point crossing her arms and saying she was ‘Done!’” another juror recalled to the outlet.

Read More: YNW Melly Trial To Begin In October

YNW Melly’s First Jury Couldn’t Come to an Agreement

 
 
 
 
 
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“When another juror asked to not shut down and set her feelings aside, she exploded… She was explosive, manipulative, she was rude, she yelled insults at anyone who had a different opinion,” they further noted. Elsewhere, the anonymous source claimed the same woman was there specifically “to cause chaos.” The next group of jurors selected to hold Melly’s fate in their hands will obviously be different, though it’s possible we could see the same final outcome take place later this year.

Throughout the first YNW Melly trial, his mother, Jamie King, made frequent headlines for her comments on social media. In the midst of proceedings, she claimed that the stress she’s experienced while watching her son potentially face the death penalty gave her a heart attack. After a mistrial was declared last month, she also spoke out online. Read what King had to say at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: YNW Melly’s Mom Speaks Out Following Mistrial

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The post YNW Melly Jury: One Woman’s Hesitation To Convict Reportedly Lead To Mistrial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

XXXTENTACION Killer Seeks New Trial, Blasts Judge

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One of the three men sentenced to life in prison for the murder of XXXTENTACION is seeking a new trial. According to AllHipHop, Trayvon Newsome claimed that the court committed various mistakes during his trial alongside codefendants Michael Boatwright and Dedrick Williams. Moreover, Newsome suggested that evidence did not support the verdict and conviction and its presumed weight was contrary to law. Also, he maintained that the judge acted erroneously by overruling defense objections and sustaining state objections. In addition, the 24-year-old blasted the discrepancy between denying defense motions and granting state motions.

To elaborate, Newsome believes the court was incorrect in denying his team’s motions for a mistrial. Not only that, but he claimed the court provided unsatisfactory curative directions to lessen the impact of improper prejudicial evidence give to the jury. His defense team added that the court’s decision to deny separating the defendants hurt his chances at a fair trial. This is due to differing strategies and arguments employed by Willams and Boatwright’s counsel. Said decision caused the other codefendants’ shortcomings in their case to negatively impact Newsome’s defense.

XXXTENTACION Murder Convict Calls For New Trial

For example, the former attempted to rope Drake into the trial by suggesting he called out a hit on X. Williams and his defense team cited lyrics from some of the Canadian rapper’s songs like “On BS” and “I’m Upset.” Furthermore, they alleged that beef started between Drizzy and the Florida rapper after the former used the latter’s flow on his 2017 track “KMT.” Despite these arguments, the court still found all three suspects guilty of the crime and sentenced them to life in prison.

“After 5 long years you may finally Rest In Peace,” X’s son’s mother wrote on Instagram after the verdict. “Gekyume will never get to meet you earthside but it is my job as a mother to ensure I share those special memories with him. Jah was robbed of his life and Geky was robbed of his father. For this, I will never truly have complete peace but justice being served today helps the healing process. Thank you for the love and support. I am eternally grateful for all of the supporters, your positivity, and prayers have carried these last 5 years.” Log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on this case and on XXXTENTACION.

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XXXTentacion Trial: Jury Is Out For Deliberation

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It’s only a matter of time before the world learns the fate of XXXTentacion’s killers. Four suspects were accused of robbing and murdering Jahseh Onfroy in 2018 in his home state of Florida. The rapper visited a local motorcycle shop, and as he was driving out of the parking lot, an SUV blocked his pathway. The botched robbery was captured by surveillance cameras, and after the group fled, someone recorded Onfroy as he died in his car. That video was later posted to social media.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, and the trial has been quite the spectacle. One of the defendants also turned on his friends and testified for the prosecution. Other witnesses took the stand to confirm that at least one of the defendants confirmed he was involved. The attorney for the alleged triggerman tried to argue that his client and another defendant were innocent due to DNA evidence. After a lengthy process, the jury is now out for deliberation.

Drake’s Name Was Dragged Into The Chaos

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 )

“Whoever (XXXTentacion) struggled with is not in this courtroom,” the attorney told the court. “The DNA proves that someone not named Michael Boatwright or Trayvon Newsome participated in this murder.” Additionally, this case has named several high-profile rappers, including Drake. Defense attorneys did their best to wrap Drizzy’s name into the scandal due to his online beef with the late star.

Robert Allen, the defendant who turned State’s witness, testified that he and his conspirators got away with $50,000. However, his cut was much lower than the others because he refused to get out of the SUV. The defense attempted to paint him as an unreliable witness who wasn’t telling the truth. In a more shocking reveal in court today (March 8), a video was played, said to have been taken just hours after Onfroy’s murder. In it, the defendants are seen enjoying themselves as they smile, dance, and display handfuls of cash. To be specific, $100 bills.

XXXTentacion Fan Await News

Of the three remaining defendants waiting on a verdict, they all are looking at upwards of life behind bars. The Associated Press reported that although they were tried together, their convictions would be separate. This also means that not all could be convicted. It was reported that the jury gathered for about an hour before calling it a day. For now, it’s a waiting game, but a verdict is expected sooner than later.

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Brandon Miller Wins Huge Award Amid Alleged Connection To Murder Case

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Alabama basketball star Brandon Miller has been in the news quite a bit as of late, and not for the right reasons. According to reports, Miller was named as an alleged accomplice to the murder of Jamea Harris. Overall, Miller has only been accused and he has not been hit with any charges. Consequently, the Crimson Tide has allowed him to continue playing. As it stands, he is their best player, although that should not matter. At this point, many are calling for him to be removed from the team, especially with March Madness on the horizon.

In terms of the aforementioned murder case, Miller is being accused of providing a gun to Darius Miles. This gun was then allegedly passed off to Michael Davis who allegedly killed Harris. Miles was also a member of the Alabama basketball team, however, he was expelled after being arrested and charged. Overall, it is a truly horrific situation that has many feeling slighted by the school. This is especially true now that Miller has just been given a huge honor by the SEC.

Brandon Miller Gets Massive Honor

Today, the Southeastern Conference named Miller their player of the year and their freshman of the year. For many fans, this is a shocking announcement, even if he was the best player on the court. Ultimately, the optics of this are pretty bad. Moreover, Harris’ mom has already voiced her displeasure over the fact that Miller has been allowed to play. “He took a brief pause and it didn’t stop. It’s like, OK, slap on the wrist and go play ball,” DeCarla Cotton said in an interview with USA Today. “They’re worried about his career, but what about this 5-year-old boy [Harris’ son, Kaine]? He’s the true victim in all this. He won’t have a mother anymore to influence his growing up and who he’s going to be.”

No matter how you swing this, it is a bad situation, particularly for the victims. However, with Miller not currently facing any legal issues, Alabama feels like there is no reason to pull him from the lineup. Whether people like it or not, that is the decision the school has made and will continue to make. If new developments present themselves, perhaps things will change. Stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates on this story.

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XXXTENTACION Trial: Closing Arguments Start Next Week

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The judge in the XXXTENTACION murder trial said that closing arguments will begin next week. Moreover, this followed the most recent developments surrounding the defense trying to get Drake connected to the Florida rapper’s murder. Of course, these efforts proved largely unsuccessful in court, although social media discourse still has its questions. Nevertheless, it seems like this trial might wrap up about five years since X’s tragic passing. While it’s been a long, winding, and painful road for many, especially the families involved, it seems like we’re on the other side of the case.

Furthermore, Judge Michael A. Usain said that the court will have a few days off and get right into closing arguments on Tuesday, March 7th. Coincidentally, Kodak Black recently penned a heartfelt tribute to X this week, giving many the chance to reflect before the trial wraps up. “Nothing Really.. Just Was Thinking Bout You Bro,” Yak wrote in an Instagram post. “DAM BROWARD COUNTY WE LOST A LEGEND. @xxxtentacion One Of The Best Things To Ever Happen To This Small Town I Call Home.”

XXXTENTACION Trial Entering Closing Arguments Next Week

Also, after testimonies from some of the perpetrators of the crime, the public learned a lot more alleged details about the murder. For example, the rapper’s accused killers reportedly took pictures with the cash stolen after their attack. While they all faced prison time, codefendants allegedly mocked Robert Allen, who was a codefendant before becoming a state’s witness. Much of the evidence, stories, and testimonies that jurors witnessed, including a graphic video of the murder, are difficult to process. As the trial closes after a month of deliberations, the tragedy of the situation impacts anyone even remotely aware of it.

Meanwhile, X continues to make a musical mark today, whether from passionate fans propelling him into streaming royalty or his unreleased collaborations and demos seeing the light of day. While many fans expressed disappointment in what they see as grave robbery, it’s more of a reflection of those with access to his music and not the artist himself. For example, the recent track “I’m Not Human” features X alongside Lil Uzi Vert. Whether for his old or new material, X will continue to ring long after this trial’s closing arguments wrap up. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest updates in the XXXTENTACION murder trial.

Florida Shooting Leaves 9-Year-Old Girl & Journalist Dead

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A shooting spree began in Pine Hills late Wednesday morning inside a vehicle when Keith Melvin Moses murdered a woman he was acquainted with, according to Orange County Sheriff John Mina. The victim has been identified as 28 year-old Natacha Augustin. 

Mina reported that two further victims, 24 year-old journalist Dylan Lyons and a photographer, showed up at the scene to cover the slaying for Spectrum 13 News when Moses returned and opened fire. Lyons was killed and the photographer is currently in critical condition.  

WESH correspondent Luana Munoz was doing a live shot outside an Orlando hospital Wednesday night when she received the news that her colleague had been shot and was one of 3 victims fatally shot in the savage attacks that left 2 others critically wounded. 

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Munoz opened her report in distress as she wiped tears from her eyes. She said, “I apologize. This is really difficult to cover. This is every reporter’s absolutely worst nightmare. We go home at night afraid that something like this will occur and that is what happened here… So again we are at Orlando Regional Medical Center where we have learned that one of our own, a fellow reporter, has died while out covering a shooting. There are members of his family here along with his fiancée who are just incredibly distraught tonight.”

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After returning to the scene, Moses continued his violent spree. He allegedly slipped inside a home nearby and shot a mother and her 9-year-old daughter. The mother was critically injured. Her daughter died.

Police surrounded the neighborhood and arrested Moses– carrying the discernable murder weapon– not far from the location of the shootings. He has since been charged with murder and additional charges are pending. Investigators have not identified a motive, but suspect that Moses had no connection to the journalists, the mother and her daughter.

The post Florida Shooting Leaves 9-Year-Old Girl & Journalist Dead appeared first on The Source.

Alabama’s Brandon Miller Implicated In Darius Miles Murder Case

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The University of Alabama’s basketball team is arguably the best in the entire nation. With a 23-4 record and currently ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, the Crimson Tide have rolled all year. However, this has not come without it’s share of controversy. In January, one of their players Darius Miles was charged with capital murder. Miles allegedly contributed to an incident that led to the death of a young woman named Jamea Harris. Reportedly, he provided the gun used to slay her on Univeristy Blvd. near the Alabama campus.

“At this time, it appears that the only motive was a minor altercation that these individuals had with the victim as they were out on the Strip,” Tuscaloosa Police Capt. Jack Kennedy said in a news conference at the time. Supposedly, the man who allegedly shot the gun, Michael Lynn Davis, did so because Jamea Harris rejected him romantically. Although Miles did not fire the weapon, he allegedly provided the gun and was at the scene of the crime. In December, an ankle injury caused Miles to be ruled out for the remainder of the season. Even though he was not active at the time, though, the school expelled him for his involvement with this crime.

Alabama Still In Trouble

Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide salutes the crowd after a first half three pointer against the Georgia Bulldogs at Coleman Coliseum on February 18, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

On Tuesday (Feb. 21) at a hearing for the case, Tuscaloosa detective Branden Culpepper revealed another Alabama player involved with the crime. Culpepper testified that star forward Brandon Miller supplied the gun for Miles to give to Davis. Miller is currently the team’s leading scorer with 18.7 points per game as a freshman. Projected to be a high pick in this year’s NBA draft, Brandon Miller is only a freshman. Police said that Miles had texted Miller asking him to bring the weapon to where he was near campus, and Miller obliged. However, Tuscaloosa D.A. Paula Whitley added that “there’s nothing we could charge (Miller) with.”

When questions arose regarding Miller’s alleged involvement with the murder, Alabama’s head coach Nate Oats said Tuesday that he was aware of the situation. “We knew about that,” he said. “Can’t control everything anybody does outside of practice. Nobody knew that was going to happen… Brandon hasn’t been in any type of trouble nor is he in any type of trouble in this case. Wrong spot at the wrong time.” While this statement appears to show a lack of sympathy from Oats, he also said that the “whole situation is sad” and that Bama was and is “fully cooperating with law enforcement the entire time.”

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Fredo Bang Explains How He Avoided Cooperating In YNW Melly Case

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YNW Melly’s behind bars and prosecutors have tried to do everything to secure a conviction, including an attempt to get Fredo Bang to testify. Prosecutors asked the Baton Rouge rapper to make a statement but Bang invoked his Fifth Amendment right. This initially came to light during a VladTV interview with Mo Gangat. The attorney explained the loophole that Bang and his attorney used to avoid questioning.

Bang apparently invoked his attorney-client privilege but he had to fight to use it, Gangat explained. The famed attorney said Bang told prosecutors that he would have to disclose advice from his lawyer during questioning. Though prosecutors offered him immunity, Bang’s lawyer told the judge that this wouldn’t apply outside of Miramar. Ultimately, the judge ruled in Bang’s favor to use his Fifth Amendment right.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 12: Rapper Fredo Bang performs onstage during Lil Baby & Friends concert at State Farm Arena on December 12, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Fredo Bang didn’t dive into detail during his recent VladTV interview. However, he provided a bit of context to Gangat’s analysis. He said he needed his lawyer to “defuse the situation,” even if he didn’t understand how he got roped into the investigation.

“I had to get my lawyer and defuse whatever they thinking or something,” he said. Still, Fredo Bang feels as though he might continue to face pressure from authorities in the future. He explained that he anticipates it won’t end until Melly’s case ends.

“They probably going to keep bothering me because, at the end of the day, it’s still active. It’s still in trial, so they want to push and squeeze anybody they can who they think got something going on or think could be involved to where they can get some information,” he continued. “Being that we friends, I expect them to bother me.”

Authorities charged YNW Melly and his co-defendant YNW Bortlen with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Christopher “Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “Sak” Williams.

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

Chaka Zulu’s Murder Case Has Reportedly Stalled

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Gun violence is one of America’s most pressing issues, and Hip-Hop is perhaps the industry affected by it the most. Last summer, Chaka Zulu (Ludacris’ longtime manager) was seriously injured in a deadly triple shooting in Atlanta. A group of men allegedly jumped Zulu, and afterward, Zulu claims to have shot back in self-defense. Zulu was shot in the back while 23-year-old Artez Benton was shot and killed.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Zulu turned himself into Fulton County authorities, and he was reportedly charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and simple battery. Several prominent voices in Hip-Hop, including 50 Cent and Pusha T, have voiced their support for Chaka Zulu.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 05: Chaka Zulu attends the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Welcome Reception at Rock Steady on May 05, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
READ MORE: Chaka Zulu Case: Video Shows Ludacris’s Manager Was Jumped Before Firing Shots

Chaka Zulu’s Lawyer Gives Update On The Music Industry Veteran’s Case  

For the latest update on his impending murder case, Zulu’s lawyer — Gabe Banks — gave an exclusive statement to AllHipHop. Although Chaka Zulu turned himself in approximately four months ago, Banks confirmed that no court dates have been assigned. Regardless, he encourages fans and supporters to remain positive.

“The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office is still investigating this matter. At this time, there are no upcoming court dates. He needs [the love]. More importantly, he appreciates it,” Banks said.

Read Banks’ original statement on Chaka Zulu’s charges below. 

READ MORE: 50 Cent Says There’s “No Way” Chaka Zulu Should Be Charged With Murder

In fact, Chaka Zulu’s murder case isn’t the only Fulton County case that has stalled. Prosecutors reportedly pushed back YFN Lucci’s RICO trial so he could testify against Young Thug in his RICO trial. Although their cases are still without dates, another Fulton County criminal case is almost in full swing. Young Thug’s potentially industry-shifting RICO trial is currently in the jury selection process, so stay tuned to HNHH for updates.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Rapper Young Thug attends the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 03, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Read MORE: YSL Trial: Potential Juror Tried To Contact Young Thug’s Attorney’s Law Firm

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Man Charged With Murder Of Rapper Snootie Wild

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Authorities have arrested a man and charged him with murdering Memphis rapper Snootie Wild, according to NBC reports on Thursday (December 15th). Moreover, they identified him as 22-year-old Ivory Duke Williams, but revealed no further details about the case. ABC13 reported in February that authorities found Snootie Wild in a ditch suffering from a gunshot wound. He tragically succumbed to them while in the hospital.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 20: Rapper Snootie Wild performs at The Rich and Famous All Star Weekend Grand Finale at The Metropolitan on February 20, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

As officials reported, a woman called Houston police around 2 a.m. on February 25th for assistance with a stuck vehicle. She claimed that Snootie, real name LePreston Porter, drew a gun on her as others attempted to help. Later, when gunshots rang, the woman fled the scene with several other vehicles with no knowledge of Porter’s injuries. Then, authorities on the scene found the rapper and transported him to the hospital.

Snootie Wild worked with Yo Gotti’s CMG label and made many hits with Memphis artists such as “Yayo.” Following his untimely passing, his family issued a statement honoring his memory.

“We are devastated by the untimely passing of our beloved LePreston Porter, known to the world as gold-selling and Billboard charting Hip Hop recording artist Snootie Wild,” they wrote. “He meant the world to us. A son, loving boyfriend, brother to four sisters, a father of seven, and a nephew and cousin to a host of others, he held many roles within our family and was a big kid at heart. LePreston was a beautiful, compassionate and talented soul whose presence was ever felt within our family.

“Though we ask for privacy at this time,” it went on, “we invite you to join us in not only remembering him and his music but also supporting our pursuit for answers and a thorough investigation by the Houston, TX police department that will bring his killers to justice.”

What is your favorite Snootie Wild song, album, or related art that still speaks to you? Join us in honoring his memory by revisiting our interview with him here. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest case updates. Rest In Peace Snootie Wild.

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